JP2005312637A - Game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a game machine capable of reporting big winning and losing to a player without a discrepancy. <P>SOLUTION: A special pattern display device 30 and a decoration pattern display device 34 are fixed to a display base frame 35, and when a pachinko ball effectively enters a start port 22, a special pattern and a decoration pattern are variably displayed simultaneously at the special pattern display device 30 and the decoration pattern display device 34, and the variation of the special pattern and the decoration pattern is simultaneously stopped. In the case of this constitution, even when animation images are displayed in complicated story development at the decoration pattern display device 34, the result of judging winning and losing is reported to the player without a discrepancy on the basis of the display contents of the special pattern display device 30. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2006,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to a gaming machine having a configuration in which special symbols are sequentially displayed on a special symbol display in a variable state and a variable stop state, and the player is notified of a big hit and a loss based on the mode of the special symbol in the variable stop state.

  Some of the above gaming machines are configured to display a story-like animation screen on a special symbol display and notify the player by story development on the animation screen whether or not the special symbol will stop fluctuating in combination with a big hit.

  In the case of the above-described gaming machine, the story development on the animation screen tends to rotate two to three, and there is a possibility that the player may misjudge the big hit or miss from the story development on the animation screen.

1. Description of the Invention According to Claim 1 The invention according to claim 1 displays the special symbol and the decorative symbol individually and variably on the special symbol indicator and the decorative symbol indicator, and both the variable symbol start and variable stop are special symbols. It is an object of the present invention to provide a gaming machine having a control content that can convey the determination result of a win to a player without fail, and means for solving the problem is defined in claim 1. As described.
1-1. Explanation of Terms 1) Special Symbol Display: It has a smaller display area than a decorative symbol display, and reference numeral 30 in FIG. 2 shows an example of the special symbol display. This special symbol display is a generic term for a display that can display special symbols in a variable state and a variable stop state. For example, an LED display, a CRT display, an LCD display, a drum type display, or the like may be used. .
2) Decorative symbol display: It has a larger display area than the special symbol display, and reference numeral 34 in FIG. 2 shows an example of the decorative symbol display. This decorative symbol display is a general term for displays in which the decorative symbol can be displayed in a variable state and a variable stop state. For example, an LED display, a CRT display, an LCD display, or a drum display may be used. .
3) Main control circuit: A special symbol is variably displayed on the special symbol display on the basis that the pachinko ball effectively wins at the starting port. Reference numeral 40 in FIG. 3 shows an example of the main control circuit. . This special symbol consists of a plurality of symbol elements. The special symbol variable display means that the symbol elements are changed in the setting order. The identification code that the symbol elements are not variably stopped is displayed. It is a term that includes all display modes for notifying the player that the symbol has not been variably stopped. The main control circuit includes jackpot random number acquisition means, variable time random number acquisition means, jackpot determination means, special figure setting means, time setting means, and determination result notification means.

  The big hit random number obtaining means obtains the big hit random number on condition that the pachinko ball has won the start opening effectively, and step S23 in FIG. 8 shows an example of the big hit random number obtaining means. This jackpot random number changes within a certain range, and may be changed based on addition or subtraction of a counter in a control program that operates at a regular time period, and loops at an irregular time period. You may make it change based on addition and subtraction of a counter in a control program.

  The variable time random number acquisition means acquires variable time random numbers, and step S23 of FIG. 8 shows an example of the variable time random number acquisition means. This variable time random number changes within a certain range, and may be changed based on addition / subtraction of a counter in a control program that operates at a regular time period, or loops at an irregular time period. The counter may be changed based on addition / subtraction in the control program.

The big hit judging means judges big hit and miss based on the result of acquiring the big hit random number. Step S34 in FIG. 10 shows an example of the big hit determining means, and the big hit and the loss are distributed based on comparing the result of acquiring the big hit random number with a preset big hit value.
The special figure setting means sets a special symbol corresponding to the determination result of the big hit determination means. Steps S36, S41, and S44 in FIG. 10 are examples of special figure setting means. The special figure setting means sets a special symbol in a mode for notifying the big hit in the big hit determination state, and the release in the determination state of the big hit The special symbol of the mode to notify is set.

The time setting means sets the variable display time of the special symbol based on the acquisition result of the variable time random number. The special symbol variable display time refers to the time required from the special symbol variable start to the variable stop, and steps S38, S43, and S46 in FIG. 10 are examples of time setting means.
The determination result notifying means notifies the player of the determination result of big hit and miss using a special symbol, and includes a start control means, a start instructing means, a measuring means, a special figure stop control means, and an end instructing means. It is configured.

The start control means is for starting the variable display of the special symbol, and the control for starting the variable symbol special display based on outputting the variable start signal in step S54 in FIG. 10 is an example of the start control means. .
The start instructing unit instructs the sub-control circuit to start variable display of decorative symbols, and the start instruction is performed in synchronization with the variable symbol variable start timing. Step S47 in FIG. 10 is an example of a start instruction means, and a variable display of a decorative symbol is instructed to start based on transmission of game data to the sub-control circuit.

The measuring means measures the variable display time of the special symbol. Step S73 in FIG. 14 is an example of measuring means, and measures the variable display time of the special symbol based on subtracting the counter in which the setting result of the variable display time is set.
The special figure stopping means outputs a variable stop command based on the variable symbol display time of the special symbol reaching the set result. This variable stop command is a signal for variably stopping the special symbol according to the setting result, and the variable stop signal output in step S75 in FIG. 14 is an example of the variable stop command. This variable stop command is output when the variable symbol display time of the special symbol reaches the set result, and the mode of the special symbol is determined when the variable symbol display time elapses.

The end instruction means instructs the sub-control circuit to end the variable display of the decoration symbol, and the end instruction of the variable display is performed in synchronization with the output timing of the variable stop command. The game stop command output in step S76 of FIG. 14 is an example of an end instruction, and the end instruction is output based on outputting a variable stop signal for variably stopping the special symbol in step S75.
4) Sub-control circuit: The main control circuit variably displays decorative symbols on the decorative symbol display in conjunction with the start of variable display of special symbols. Reference numeral 59 in FIG. 3 is an example of a sub-control circuit. is there. This decorative symbol is composed of the same or different number of symbol elements as the special symbol, and the variable display of the decorative symbol is to change the symbol elements in the set order. ・ The identification code that the symbol elements are not variably stopped Essentially, it is a term including all display modes for notifying the player that the decorative symbol is not variably stopped. This variable display of the decorative symbols is performed using a decorative symbol display having a larger display area than that of the special symbol display, and is visually conspicuous compared with the variable display of the special symbols.

The sub-control circuit includes variable start control means and variable stop control means.
The variable start control means starts displaying a variable animation of the decorative symbol on the decorative symbol display. This display start is performed based on detection of a variable start instruction from the main control circuit, and the decorative symbol is variably started in synchronization with the variable symbol variable start.

The variable stop control means stops displaying the variable animation of the decorative symbol on the decorative symbol display. This display stop is performed based on detecting a variable end instruction from the main control circuit, and the decorative symbol is variably stopped in synchronization with the variable symbol variable stop. For example, the effect end command output in step S206 in FIG. 16 is output in response to the variable stop instruction in step S76 in FIG. 14, and the decorative symbol is output in step S206 in FIG. Is stopped based on the output of. That is, the decorative symbol is variable start and variable stop in synchronization with the special symbol being variable start and variable stop, and the decorative symbol aspect is determined in synchronization with the special symbol aspect.
= Description of the invention according to claim 2 =
The invention according to claim 2 variably stops the remaining symbol elements excluding the last symbol element among the symbol elements of the special symbol, and sets the variable stop timing of the final symbol element as a result of setting the variable display time. The control to adjust according to is performed. The sequence data setting process of FIG. 13 is an example of a special symbol stop means. In this case, the variable stop timings of the symbol elements in the left column and the right column are set to fixed values in step S62 and step S63. The variable stop timing of the symbol elements in the column is adjusted to the set value for the variable display time. That is, the special symbol and the decorative symbol are variable stop only for the last symbol element in synchronization, and the remaining symbol elements are not necessarily variable stop for synchronization.
= Description of the invention according to claim 3 =
According to the third aspect of the present invention, the decorative design according to the determination result of the big hit and the miss is set by the sub control circuit without transmitting the special symbol setting result from the main control circuit to the sub control circuit. In other words, the sub-control circuit sets the decoration symbol according to the type of the variation pattern, and the meaning and content of both are matched in the special symbol variable stop state and the decorative symbol variable stop state, and the special symbol combination and decoration The combination of symbols does not necessarily match.
= Description of the invention according to claim 4 =
The invention according to claim 4 transmits the special symbol setting result from the main control circuit to the sub control circuit, and the sub control circuit sets a decorative symbol that matches the special symbol setting result. In the variable stop state of the state and decorative design, the combination itself matches.

According to the first aspect of the invention, the special symbol and the decorative symbol are individually variably displayed on the special symbol display and the decorative symbol display, and the special symbol and the decorative symbol are variably stopped synchronously. Even when an animation screen is displayed with a complicated story development on the display device, the player can be notified of the success based on the display content of the special symbol display device.
According to the second aspect of the present invention, the variable stop timing is matched only between the final symbol element of the special symbol and the final symbol element of the decorative symbol. This eliminates the need for complicated processing for matching the variable stop timing between all the symbol elements of the special symbol and all the symbol elements of the decorative symbol, so that the processing content of the main control circuit is particularly simplified.

1. 1. Description of mechanical configuration 1-1. Overall Configuration As shown in FIG. 1, an outer frame 1 is installed on the island of Pachinko hall. The outer frame 1 has a rectangular tube shape whose front and rear surfaces are open. A front frame 2 is mounted on the front end surface of the outer frame 1 so as to be rotatable about a vertical axis on the left side. A horizontally long rectangular lower plate 3 positioned at the lower end is fixed to the front surface of the front frame 2, and a lower plate 4 whose upper surface is open is fixed to the front surface of the lower plate 3. An upper plate 5 is disposed above the lower plate 3. The upper plate 5 is attached to the front frame 2, and an upper plate 6 having an open upper surface is fixed to the front surface of the upper plate 5.

  A handle base 7 is fixed to the front surface of the lower plate 3 at the right end, and a firing handle 8 is rotatably attached to the handle base 7. A firing motor is fixed to the rear of the firing handle 8, and a hitting ball is connected to the rotation shaft of the firing motor. This firing motor corresponds to a driving source of the hitting ball, and when the shooting handle 8 is rotated, a driving power is supplied to the shooting motor, and the pachinko in the upper plate 6 is driven based on the driving of the hitting ball. Play the ball out of the upper plate 6.

  A window frame 9 is mounted on the front surface of the front frame 2. The window frame 9 has a circular hole-like window portion 10, and a transparent glass window 11 is fixed to the inner peripheral surface of the window portion 10. Speakers 12 are fixed to the rear surface of the window frame 9 at the upper left corner and the upper right corner, and a net-like speaker cover 13 is disposed in front of each speaker 12. Each of these speaker covers 13 is formed on the window frame 9, and the game sound reproduced by each speaker 12 is emitted through the front speaker cover 13.

A lamp cover 14 is fixed between the speakers 12 on the window frame 9, and a plurality of illumination LEDs 15 are arranged behind the lamp cover 14. Each of these illumination LEDs 15 is fixed to the window frame 9, and the lamp cover 14 is illuminated based on the emission of the illumination LEDs 15.
1-2. As shown in FIG. 2, a game board 16 is mounted on the rear face of the front frame 2, and the game board 16 is covered from the front by the glass window 11 of the window frame 9. An outer rail 17 and an inner rail 18 are fixed to the front surface of the game board 16. A launch passage 19 is formed between the outer rail 17 and the inner rail 18, and a pachinko ball that has been hit by the hitting ball is discharged into the game area 20 through the launch passage 19. A plurality of obstacle nails 21 are driven into the game area 20, and the pachinko balls released into the game area 20 fall within the game area 20 while hitting the obstacle nails 21. The game area 20 refers to a circular area surrounded by the outer rail 17 and the inner rail 18 (the remaining area of the launch passage 19), and corresponds to a rolling area that is the maximum range in which the pachinko ball can roll.

A pocket-shaped starting port 22 having an upper surface opened is fixed in the game area 20. A start port sensor 23 (see FIG. 3) comprising a proximity switch is fixed in the start port 22, and the start port sensor 23 detects that a pachinko ball has won in the start port 22 and outputs a start signal. To do.
As shown in FIG. 2, a prize opening base plate 24 is fixed in the game area 20, and a square cylindrical large winning opening 25 having a front opening is fixed to the winning opening base plate 24. A door 26 is mounted on the winning hole base plate 24 so as to be rotatable about a horizontal shaft 27 at the lower end. The door 26 is mechanically connected to a plunger of a special prize opening solenoid 28 (see FIG. 3). The front face of the special winning opening 25 is opened based on closing the front face and turning the door 26 in a horizontal state where the door 26 is tilted forward. A count sensor 29 (see FIG. 3) composed of a proximity switch is fixed in the special winning opening 25, and the count sensor 29 detects that the pachinko ball has won the special winning opening 25 and outputs a count signal. To do.

  As shown in FIG. 2, a display base plate 35 is fixed in the game area 20, and a special symbol display 30 is fixed to the display base plate 35. This special symbol display 30 has three symbol display units 31 arranged in a horizontal row, and each symbol display unit 31 is composed of a 7-segment LED display. Each of these symbol display portions 31 displays numeric symbols “1” to “8”, and the player is informed of the big hit and miss according to the combination of the three rows of numeric symbols. That is, the numerical symbols in the three columns correspond to special symbols for notifying the player of the big hit and miss, and the numerical symbols in each column correspond to the symbol elements in the special symbols.

A holding ball indicator 32 is fixed to the display base plate 35. This holding ball indicator 32 is composed of four holding ball LEDs 33 arranged in a horizontal row, and the player is notified of the number of holding times of the special symbol game according to the number of lighting of the holding ball LEDs 33.
A decorative symbol display 34 is fixed to the display base plate 35. The decorative symbol display 34 is composed of a color liquid crystal display having a display area larger than that of the special symbol display 30, and the decorative symbol display 34 displays a decorative symbol and an effect symbol. The decorative symbol is composed of three columns of numerical symbols that visually show how the combination of special symbols is determined, and the numerical symbol of each column corresponds to the symbol element of the decorative symbol. The stage design functions as a constituent element of a story-like animation screen that visually creates a state in which the combination of the decorative design is determined. The player is sensual in the combination of the decorative design according to the story development on the animation screen. To be notified.
2. Description of Electrical Configuration The main control circuit 40 functions as special symbol game control means for controlling the special symbol game content, and has a CPU 41, ROM 42, and RAM 43 as shown in FIG. The CPU 41 sets special symbol game data and holding ball data, and generates a special symbol display signal and a holding ball display signal based on the setting result of the special symbol game data and the setting result of the holding ball data. The data setting process of the CPU 41 is performed based on a control program recorded in the ROM 42, and the RAM 43 functions as a work memory of the CPU 41. The CPU 41 outputs the setting result of the special symbol display signal and the setting result of the holding ball display signal to the LED circuit 44 and the LED circuit 45. The LED circuit 44 and the LED circuit 45 are the special symbol display signal and the holding signal from the CPU 41. The display content of the special symbol display device 30 and the display content of the reserved ball display device 32 are controlled in accordance with the sphere display signal. The CPU 41 of the main control circuit 40 is a jackpot random number acquisition means, variable time random number acquisition means, jackpot determination means, special figure setting means, time setting means, determination result notification means, start control means, start instruction means, measurement means, special means. The figure corresponds to stop control means, end instruction means, variation pattern selection means, variation pattern instruction means, and ROM 42 corresponds to recording means.

  The input circuit 46 forms the waveform of the start signal from the start port sensor 23 and the count signal from the count sensor 29 and outputs the waveform to the main control circuit 40. The main control circuit 40 detects the start signal from the input circuit 46. The special symbol game data and the holding ball data are set based on the detection, and the winning ball command and the winning ball data are set based on detecting either the start signal or the count signal from the input circuit 46. The timer circuit 47 outputs a pulse signal to the main control circuit 40 periodically (specifically every 4 msec). The main control circuit 40 detects a timer interrupt based on detection of the pulse signal from the timer circuit 47. Start the program from the beginning. The solenoid circuit 48 cuts and disconnects the special winning opening solenoid 28, and the main control circuit 40 opens and closes the door 26 of the special winning opening 25 based on driving control of the solenoid circuit 48.

  The payout control circuit 49 functions as payout control means for controlling the payout operation of the prize ball, and the CPU 51 controls the payout operation based on the control program and control data of the ROM 50 / ROM 50 in which the control program and control data are recorded. It has a RAM 52 that functions as a work memory for the CPU 51. The payout control circuit 49 receives a prize ball command and prize ball data from the main control circuit 40, and based on detecting the prize ball command from the main control circuit 40, a motor signal corresponding to the prize ball data. Set.

  The motor circuit 53 gives a pulse signal for driving to the stepping motor 54 based on the motor signal from the payout control circuit 49. The stepping motor 54 functions as a drive source of a prize ball payout device that pays out pachinko balls as prize balls into the upper plate 6, and in the upper plate 6, prize balls are driven based on the driving of the stepping motor 54. The number of prize balls according to the data is paid out.

  The effect control circuit 55 functions as a decorative symbol game control means for controlling the decorative symbol game content, and executes a control operation based on the control program and control data of the ROM 56 / ROM 56 in which the control program and control data are recorded. The CPU 57 has a RAM 58 that functions as a work memory for the CPU 57. The effect control circuit 55 receives the setting result of the special symbol game data from the main control circuit 40, and sets the decorative symbol game data based on the setting result of the special symbol game data.

  The symbol control circuit 59 transmits the setting result of the decorative symbol game data from the effect control circuit 55, and has a CPU 60, ROM 61, RAM 62, VDP 63, VROM 64, and VRAM 65. The CPU 60 sets the video effect contents of the decoration symbol game based on the decoration symbol game data from the effect control circuit 55, and instructs the VDP 63 to set the image data according to the effect contents. The image data corresponding to is detected from the VROM 64, and a decorative design display signal is generated based on the detection result of the image data. The VDP 63 outputs the setting result of the decorative symbol display signal to the LCD circuit 66. The LCD circuit 66 displays an image corresponding to the decorative symbol display signal from the VDP 63 on the decorative symbol display 34. A series of operations of the CPU 60 and the VDP 63 are performed based on a control program and control data recorded in the ROM 61, and the RAM 62 and the VRAM 65 function as work memories of the CPU 60 and the VDP 63. The symbol control circuit 59 corresponds to a sub-control circuit, and the CPU 60 of the symbol control circuit 59 corresponds to variable start control means and variable stop control means.

  The sound control circuit 67 is for transmitting decorative symbol game data from the effect control circuit 55 and includes a CPU 68, a ROM 69, and a RAM 70. The CPU 68 sets the sound production contents based on the decoration symbol game data from the production control circuit 55, detects the sound data corresponding to the production contents from the ROM 69, and generates a sound signal based on the detection result of the sound data. The speaker circuit 71 outputs sound corresponding to the sound signal from both speakers 12. The series of operations of the CPU 68 is performed based on the control program and control data recorded in the ROM 69, and the RAM 70 functions as a work memory for the CPU 68.

The decoration control circuit 72 is for transmitting decorative symbol game data from the effect control circuit 55 and has a CPU 73, ROM 74, and RAM 75. The CPU 73 sets an electrical effect content based on the decoration symbol game data from the effect control circuit 55, detects electrical data corresponding to the effect content from the ROM 74, and based on the detection result of the electrical data. A signal is generated and output to the LED circuit 76, and the LED circuit 76 causes the plurality of illumination LEDs 15 to emit light according to the illumination signal. The series of operations of the CPU 73 is performed based on the control program and control data recorded in the ROM 74, and the RAM 75 functions as a work memory for the CPU 73.
3. Explanation of gaming functions 3-1. Special symbol game function (variable game function)
When the player inserts the pachinko ball into the upper plate 6 and rotates the firing handle 8, the pachinko ball is launched into the game board 16 and falls while hitting the obstacle nail 21. When this pachinko ball wins in the starting port 22, a set number of pachinko balls are paid out as prize balls into the upper plate 6 from the prize ball payout device, and a special symbol game is started. In this special symbol game, special symbols are sequentially displayed on the special symbol display 30 in a variable state and a variable stop state, and a special symbol is notified to the player by a combination of the special symbols in the variable stop state. The details of the game are as follows.

  The symbol display unit 31 in the left column, the symbol display unit 31 in the middle column, and the symbol display unit 31 in the right column of the special symbol display 30 include “left column symbol element / middle column symbol element / right column symbol element“ Any number symbol of “1” to “8” is displayed in a stationary state, and when the pachinko ball is effectively won in the start port 22, the symbol elements of each row start to fluctuate. This variation means that the symbol elements in each column change while moving, the movement direction of the symbol elements in each column is set from top to bottom, and the change order of the symbol elements in each column is “1”. → “2” → “3”... → “7” → “8” → “1”...

  The three rows of symbol elements will stop fluctuating in the order of (1) left row, (2) right row, and (3) middle row. Is notified. These big hits and misses are determined randomly by the main control circuit 40 based on the acquisition result of random numbers on the condition that the pachinko ball has been effectively won in the start port 22, and the fluctuations from the start of the fluctuations in the three rows. The time required to stop is called variable display time (variable display time).

The jackpot symbol is a combination symbol of three columns for notifying the player of the jackpot, and specifically, the left column, the middle column, and the right column are the same combination symbol. The outlier reach symbol is a combination symbol of three columns that generate a reach but does not become a big hit. Specifically, the left column and the right column are the same, and the middle column is different. Further, the completely out-of-line symbol refers to a combination of three columns in which even the reach does not occur, and specifically refers to a combination of three columns in which the left column and the right column are different.
3-2. Big hit game function When the big win symbol is stopped and displayed on the special symbol display 30, the big hit game is started. This big hit game opens the door 26 of the grand prize opening 25 and generates a player's advantageous state allowing the pachinko ball to win in the big prize opening 25. The big prize opening 25 has an upper limit number of pachinko games. The ball is held in an open state until the number condition for winning the ball or the time condition for the open time to reach the upper limit is satisfied. The opening operation based on the number condition and the time condition of the big winning opening 25 is called a big hit round, and when either the number condition or the time condition is satisfied, the big hit round is resumed. An upper limit is set for the number of repetitions of the jackpot round, and when the number of repetitions of the jackpot round reaches the upper limit value, the jackpot game is unconditionally terminated.
3-3. Special symbol game hold function The special symbol game is held when the pachinko ball effectively wins in the start port 22 during the special symbol game and the big hit game in which the special symbol game cannot be started immediately. An upper limit value is set for the number of times this special symbol game is held, and the special symbol game is not held when the pachinko ball wins in the start port 22 while the number of times the hold has reached the upper limit value. The winning of the pachinko ball in which the special symbol game is not held is called an invalid winning, and the winning in which the special symbol game is held is called an effective winning. The holding ball indicator 32 notifies the number of holding times of the special symbol game by the number of lighting of the holding ball LED 33, and when the pachinko ball effectively wins in the starting port 22, the number of lighting of the holding ball LED 33 increases. An increase in the number of times of holding is notified, and when the special symbol game is started, a decrease in the number of times of holding is notified based on a decrease in the number of lighting of the holding ball LED 33.
3-4. Decorative Symbol Game Function When the pachinko ball is effectively won in the start port 22, the decorative symbol game is started in conjunction with the special symbol game. In this decorative symbol game, an animation screen is displayed on the decorative symbol display 34, game sounds corresponding to the display content of the animation screen are output from both speakers 12, and a plurality of illumination LEDs 15 are emitted according to the display content of the animation screen. The details of the decorative design game are as follows.

  On the decorative symbol display 34, any number symbol of “1” to “8” is displayed in a stationary state as a symbol element in the left column, a symbol element in the middle column, and a symbol element in the right column. The symbol element starts to fluctuate in synchronization with the start of fluctuation of the special symbol. The variation of the decorative symbol means that the symbol element in each column changes while moving, the moving direction of the symbol element in each column is set from top to bottom, and the change order of the symbol elements in each column is “1” → “2” → “3”... → “7” → “8” → “1”... That is, the decorative symbol display 34 displays a decorative symbol that completely corresponds to the special symbol of the special symbol indicator 30 in both the number and type of symbol elements.

  The three rows of symbol elements will stop fluctuating in the order of (1) left row, (2) right row, and (3) middle row. Is notified. Of these, the symbol control circuit 59 uniquely sets the fluctuation stop timing of the symbol elements in the left column and the symbol elements in the right column, and the symbol elements in the left column and the decorative symbols in the right column are special symbols. Fluctuation stops asynchronously in time with the symbol elements in the left column and the symbol elements in the right column. Also, the last middle row of the decorative symbols of the decorative symbols is to stop variably based on a game stop command output from the main control circuit 40. This game stop command is output based on the main control circuit 40 stopping the change of the last middle row of symbol elements in the special symbol, and the last middle row of symbol elements in the decorative symbol is the special symbol. The fluctuation stops in synchronization with the last middle row of symbol elements. That is, the combination of decorative symbols is determined in synchronization with the determination of the special symbol combination.

In the reach state, a story-like reach action screen is displayed on the decorative symbol display 34. The reach state refers to a state in which the left and right symbol elements in the decorative pattern are suspended in a combination where there is a visual possibility that the symbol element in the left column is a big hit. Whether or not the symbol elements in the middle row change and stop with the same target symbols as those in the left and right columns is sensuously notified by the story development on the reach action screen. In other words, the decorative design game is not intended to inform the player of the big hits and misses themselves. The main purpose is to give.
3-5. Big hit display function A big hit round display is performed on the decorative symbol display 34 during the big hit round. This jackpot round display is to display an animation screen corresponding to the current number of jackpot rounds. When the jackpot round is displayed, the game sound is output from both speakers 12, and the animation screen is based on the plurality of illumination LEDs 15 emitting light. Is produced with sound and light.
4). Internal processing of main control circuit 40-1. Main Processing When the main power is turned on, the CPU 41 of the main control circuit 40 sets the measurement values of the random counters R1 to R5, the measurement value of the counter N1, the measurement value of the timer T1, and the symbol variation flag in step S1 of FIG. All the data in the RAM 43 is initialized, such as the jackpot game flag setting result, jackpot determination result, outlier reach determination result, special symbol setting result, variation pattern setting result, variation display time setting result, and the like. Then, the process proceeds to step S2, and steps S2 to S6 are repeated in a loop.

  When proceeding to step S2, the CPU 41 adds “1” to the current measured value of the random counter R5. This random counter R5 selects a symbol element in the left column of the special symbol, a symbol element in the middle column, and a symbol element in the right column from the special symbol group of “1-8”. Only used at the time of judgment. This random counter R5 is composed of a three-digit counter. As shown in FIG. 5, the first digit is cyclically added by adding “0” to “7” and then returning to “0”. The This addition process for the first digit is performed by “1” for each loop of the main program. The second digit is “1” for each carry in which the first digit is added from “7” to “0”. "3" is added, and "1" is added to the third digit every time the second digit is added from "7" to "0".

  When the CPU 41 updates the random counter R5 in step S2 of FIG. 4, the first digit and the third digit of the update result of the random counter R5 are compared in step S3. If it is detected that they are different from each other, the update result of the random counter R5 is stored in the completely out of symbol area of the RAM 43 in step S4. That is, as shown in FIG. 5, the complete out symbol area stores basic data of complete out symbols having different left and right columns, and the main program loops through the stored data in the complete out symbol area. It is updated based on that.

When the CPU 41 detects that the first digit and the third digit of the random counter R5 are the same in step S3 of FIG. 4, the CPU 41 compares the first digit and the second digit of the random counter R5 in step S5. If it is detected that the two are different, the update result of the random counter R5 is stored in the out-of-reach reach design area of the RAM 43 in step S6. That is, as shown in FIG. 5, the outreach symbol area stores basic data of outreach symbols with the same left column and right column but different middle columns. Updated as the main program loops.
4-2. Timer Interrupt Processing When the CPU 41 detects the INT signal from the timer circuit 47, the CPU 41 stops the main program in FIG. 4 and starts the timer interrupt program from the top. As shown in FIG. 6, this timer interrupt program performs the counter update process in step S11 to the big hit game process in step S15 in this order. When the CPU 41 finishes the timer interrupt program, the main program is moved from the stop position. Resume. The timer interrupt program will be described in detail below.
4-2-1. Counter update process CPU41 will update the present measured value of random counter R1-R4, if it transfers to step S11 of FIG. As shown in FIG. 7A, the random counter R1 corresponds to a variable time random number value for selecting a variation pattern, and during a special symbol game, a decorative symbol having contents corresponding to the variation pattern selection result is displayed. A game is performed. That is, the variation pattern functions as a parameter for setting the contents of the visual effects, the contents of the sound effects, and the contents of the electrical effects of the decorative symbol game, and the decorative symbol display 34 corresponds to the result of setting the variation patterns. An animation screen of the contents is displayed, game sounds having contents corresponding to the variation pattern setting results are output from both speakers 12, and the plurality of illumination LEDs 15 emit light with contents corresponding to the variation pattern setting results. The random counter R1 is incremented by “1” every time the timer interrupt program is started. When the random counter R1 is incremented to the upper limit value “100”, it is returned to “0” and cyclically added.

The random counter R2 corresponds to a random number value that distributes the determination result to complete detachment and detachment reach when determining detachment. This random counter R2 is incremented by “1” every time the timer interrupt program is started. After being added from the initial value “0” to the upper limit value “49”, it is returned to “0” and cyclically added. The The random counter R3 corresponds to a jackpot random number value for lottery of whether or not a jackpot has occurred. This random counter R3 is incremented by "1" every time the timer interrupt program is started. After being added from the initial value "0" to the upper limit value "360", it is returned to "0" and cyclically added. The The random counter R4 corresponds to a random value for selecting the jackpot symbol from the jackpot symbol group “1-8”. This random counter R4 is incremented by "1" every time the timer interrupt program is started. After being added from the initial value "0" to the upper limit value "7", it is returned to "0" and cyclically added. The
4-2-2. Start Signal Processing When the CPU 41 finishes the counter update process in step S11 in FIG. 6, the CPU 41 determines whether or not there is a start signal from the start port sensor 23 in step S21 in FIG. When a start signal is detected here, the process proceeds to step S22, and the current measured value of the counter N1 is compared with an upper limit value (specifically, 4) recorded in advance in the ROM. The counter N1 measures the number of special symbol games held. When the CPU 41 detects “N1 <upper limit value” in step S22, the CPU 41 determines that the number of special symbol games held has not reached the upper limit value. And it transfers to step S23 and acquires the present measured value of random counter R1-R4.

  The RAM 43 of the main control circuit 40 is provided with four reserved data areas as shown in FIG. The order of use “1” to “4” is assigned to these four reserved data areas. When the CPU 41 obtains the measured values of the random counters R1 to R4 in step S23 of FIG. 8, it is unused in step S24. The acquisition result of the random counters R1 to R4 is stored in the area with the smallest use order in the reserved data area, and the number of special symbol games held is updated based on adding “1” to the counter N1 in step S25. For example, when the random counters R1 to R4 are stored in the reserved data areas having the usage order “1” to “2”, the random counters R1 to R4 are stored in the blank reserved data area “3” having the smallest usage order. N1 is added to “3”.

After adding the counter N1 in step S25, the CPU 41 generates a holding ball display signal in step S26 and controls the lighting state of the holding ball display 32 based on outputting the holding ball display signal to the LED circuit 45. The hold ball display signal is generated based on the addition result of the counter N1, and the CPU 41 generates a hold ball display signal for lighting the number of the hold ball LEDs 33 matching the addition result of the counter N1. That is, when the pachinko ball is effectively won in the starting port 22, a holding ball display signal is output from the main control circuit 40 to the LED circuit 45, and the number of holding ball LEDs 33 corresponding to the number of holding times of the special symbol game is turned on. .
4-2-3. Game start process CPU41 will determine the setting state of the symbol fluctuation flag, if it transfers to step S31 of FIG. This symbol variation flag is set to the on state during the execution of the special symbol game, and is set to the off state while the special symbol game is stopped. The CPU 41 sets the symbol variation flag to the off state in step S31. When it is detected that there is, the process proceeds to step S32.

When the CPU 41 proceeds to step S32, it determines the set state of the big hit game flag. The jackpot game flag is set to an on state during execution of the jackpot game, and is set to an off state while the jackpot game is stopped, and the CPU 41 has the jackpot game flag set to an off state in step S32. If detected, the process proceeds to step S33.
In step S33, the CPU 41 determines whether or not the random counters R1 to R4 are stored in the reserved data area “1” of the RAM 43. Here, when it is detected that the random counters R1 to R4 are stored in the reserved data area “1”, the process proceeds to step S34, and the acquisition result of the random counter R3 is detected from the reserved data area “1” of the RAM 43 to make a big hit. Compare with the value “7”. Here, when it is detected that the acquisition result of the random counter R3 is different from the jackpot value “7”, it is determined to be out, and when it is detected that the acquisition result of the random counter R3 is the same as the jackpot value “7”. Judged as a big hit. In other words, the big hit is determined with a constant probability of “1/361”.

  When the CPU 41 determines the big hit or miss in step S34, it detects the big hit or miss determination result in step S35. When a big hit is detected, the process proceeds to step S36, where the acquisition result of the random counter R4 is detected from the reserved data area “1”, and the big hit symbol is set based on the detection result of the random counter R4. The jackpot symbol is composed of the same number of numbers in the left column, the middle column, and the right column, and the CPU 41 sets the number of each column to “R4 + 1”. For example, when the detection result of the random counter R4 is “6”, the number symbol “7” is set and the jackpot symbol is set to “777”.

  In the ROM 42 of the main control circuit 40, as shown in FIG. 11A, a big hit variation pattern table is recorded. This variation pattern table shows the relationship between the random counter R1, the variation pattern, and the variation display time, and NP and SP1 to SP4 are set as variation patterns in the variation pattern table. These variation patterns SP1 to SP4 are for generating a story-like reach action screen on the decorative symbol display 34, and when the variation patterns SP1 to SP4 are selected, the one that reminds the player of a big hit is set as the end of the reach action screen. Is done. The variation pattern NP is for causing the decorative symbol display 34 to generate a normal reach as a reach action screen. When the variation pattern NP is selected, a story-like reach action screen is not generated.

  When the CPU 41 sets the jackpot symbol in step S36 of FIG. 10, the CPU 41 detects the acquisition result of the random counter R1 from the reserved data area “1” in step S37. Then, a variation pattern corresponding to the detection result of the random counter R1 is selectively set from the variation pattern table of FIG. 11A, and the variation display time corresponding to the detection result of the random counter R1 is set in step S38 of FIG. Selectively set. For example, when the detection result of the random counter R1 is “70”, the variation pattern SP3 is selected, and the variation display time T3 is selected.

  When the CPU 41 detects an outage in step S35 of FIG. 10, the acquisition result of the random counter R2 for determining outliers from the reserved data area “1” in the RAM 43 is detected in step S39, and the ten outreach values “0-9” are detected. " These outlier reach values are recorded in advance in the ROM 42 of the main control circuit 40. When the CPU 41 detects that the detection result of the random counter R2 is the same as any one of the ten outlier reach values in step S39, the outlier reach value is lost. When reach is determined and it is detected that the detection result of the random counter R2 is different from any of the 10 outreach values, it is determined that it is completely out.

  When the CPU 41 determines the detachment reach and complete detachment in step S39, the CPU 41 detects the determination result of detachment reach and complete detachment in step S40. Here, when the outreach is detected, the process proceeds to step S41, and the storage result of the random counter R5 is detected from the outreach symbol area of the RAM 43. Then, “1” is added to each digit of the first to third digits of the random counter R5 to set a detach reach symbol. For example, when the storage result of the random counter R5 is “010”, “1” is added to the numbers in each column, and the outlier reach symbol is set to “121”.

  In the ROM 42 of the main control circuit 40, as shown in FIG. 11B, a variation pattern table for outreach is recorded. This variation pattern table shows the relationship among the random counter R1, the variation pattern, and the variation display time, and variation patterns NP to SP3 are set in the variation pattern table. The variation patterns SP1 to SP3 cause the decorative symbol display 34 to generate a story-like reach action screen of the same development as the variation patterns SP1 to SP3 for jackpots. It differs from the big hit variation patterns SP1 to SP3 in that it is set. The variation pattern NP is for generating a normal reach on the decorative symbol display 34. When the variation pattern NP is selected, the final middle row varies at a low speed in the same development as the variation pattern NP for big hits.

  When the CPU 41 sets the detach reach symbol in step S41 of FIG. 10, the CPU 41 detects the acquisition result of the random counter R1 from the reserved data area “1” in step S42. Then, a variation pattern corresponding to the detection result of the random counter R1 is selectively set from the variation pattern table of FIG. 11B, and the variation display time corresponding to the detection result of the random counter R1 is set in step S43 of FIG. Selectively set. For example, when the detection result of the random counter R1 is “70”, the variation pattern SP2 is selected, and the variation display time T2 is selected.

  When the CPU 41 detects complete detachment in step S40 of FIG. 10, the CPU 41 proceeds to step S44. Here, the stored result of the random counter R5 is detected from the complete out symbol area of the RAM 43, and the complete out symbol is set based on adding “1” to each digit of the first to third digits of the random counter R5. . For example, when the storage result of the random counter R5 is “001”, “1” is added to the number in each column, and the completely out symbol is set to “112”.

When the CPU 41 sets a completely detached symbol in step S44, the CPU 41 sets a variation pattern KP for complete removal in step S45, and sets a variation display time Tk in step S46. That is, at the time of determination of complete deviation, random setting processing of the fluctuation pattern according to the acquisition result of the random counter R1 is not performed, and the fluctuation pattern is uniquely set to the specific value KP.
When the CPU 41 proceeds to step S47, the special symbol setting result and the variation pattern setting result are transmitted to the effect control circuit 55 as the special symbol game data. Then, the effect control circuit 55 sets the decorative symbol game data based on the transmission result of the special symbol game data, and transmits it to the symbol control circuit 59, the sound control circuit 67, and the electrical decoration control circuit 72. The symbol control circuit 59, the sound control circuit 67, and the lighting control circuit 72 set the effect contents based on the transmission result of the decoration symbol game data, and start the decoration symbol game based on the execution result setting result. To do. In other words, the special symbol game data transmission process instructs the sub-control circuit to start variable display of decorative symbols.

When the CPU 41 transmits special symbol game data to the effect control circuit 55 in step S47, the sequence data is set in step S48. As shown in FIG. 12, this sequence data is obtained by recording a special symbol display signal for controlling the display content of the special symbol display 30 together with the output timing. Details of the sequence data setting process are as follows. .
4-2-3-1. Sequence data setting process The CPU 41 sets a left symbol variation stop signal in step S61 of FIG. 13, and sets a right symbol variation stop signal in step S62. These left symbol variation stop signal and right symbol variation stop signal are special symbol display signals for stopping variation of the symbol elements in the left column and the right column of the special symbol according to the setting result, and are fixed fixed values set in advance. Timings t1 and t2 are set.

  When the CPU 41 sets the right symbol variation stop signal in step S62, the CPU 41 detects a determination result of big hit, miss reach, or complete miss in step S63. Here, when a miss reach and a big hit are detected, a medium symbol low speed fluctuation signal is set in step S64. The medium symbol low-speed fluctuation signal is a signal for variably displaying the symbol elements in the middle row of the special symbol at a preset low speed, and is set at a preset fixed timing t3.

  When the CPU 41 sets the sequence data for the special symbol game in step S48 of FIG. 10, the CPU 41 sets the setting result of the variable display time in the timer T1 in step S49, and subtracts “1” from the counter N1 in step S50. And subtract the number of special symbol games held. In step S51, a holding ball display signal is generated, and the lighting state of the holding ball display 32 is controlled based on outputting the holding ball display signal to the LED circuit 45. This holding ball display signal is generated based on the subtraction result of the counter N1, and the CPU 41 generates a holding ball display signal for lighting the number of the holding ball LEDs 33 matching the subtraction result of the counter N1. That is, at the time of starting the special symbol game, a holding ball display signal is transmitted from the main control circuit 40 to the LED circuit 45, and the number of holding ball LEDs 33 corresponding to the number of remaining holding times of the special symbol game is turned on.

  When the CPU 41 transmits the reserved ball display signal in step S51, the reserved data area of the RAM 43 is organized in step S52, and the symbol variation flag is set to the on state in step S53. This organizing process erases the random counters R1 to R4 of the reserved data area “1”, and when the random counters R1 to R4 are stored after including the reserved data area “2”, the random counters R1 to R4 are used in the order of use. Moves to the previous hold data area. For example, when the random counters R1 to R4 are stored in the hold data areas “1” to “3”, the random counters R1 to R4 of the hold data area “1” are stored. Is deleted, and the random counters R1 to R4 in the hold data area “2” and the random counters R1 to R4 in the hold data area “3” are moved to the previous hold data area “1” and the hold data area “2”. The

When the CPU 41 sets the symbol variation flag to the on state in step S53, the CPU 41 outputs a variation start signal to the LED circuit 44 in step S54. This variation start signal is a special symbol display signal for simultaneously starting variation in the symbol elements in the left column, the symbol elements in the middle column, and the symbol elements in the right column of the special symbol indicator 30, and the variation symbol is output as the special symbol. It starts to fluctuate based on what is done. The output of the variation start signal is performed in synchronization with the instruction to start variation of the decorative symbol in step S47, and the special symbol and the decorative symbol begin to vary at the same timing.
4-2-4. Game Ending Process When the CPU 41 proceeds to step S71 in FIG. 14, it determines whether or not the symbol variation flag is set to the on state. When it is detected that the symbol variation flag is set to the ON state, the process proceeds to step S72, and a special symbol display signal corresponding to the current measured value of the timer T1 is detected from the special symbol game sequence data. Then, the detection result of the special symbol display signal is output to the LED circuit 44, and the special symbol game is executed by displaying the contents according to the setting result of the sequence data on the special symbol display 30.

  (A) of FIG. 12 shows sequence data set at the time of determining the big hit and outreach reach, and when determining the big hit and outreach reach, the symbol elements in the left column and the right column of special symbols are fixed. The fluctuations are stopped in order at the timings t1 and t2, and the symbol elements in the middle row enter a relative low-speed fluctuation state at the fixed timing t3. (B) of FIG. 12 shows the sequence data set at the time of determination of complete losing, and the display contents are the same as the sequence data for big hit and losing reach except that the symbol elements in the middle row do not fluctuate at low speed. It is. That is, the special symbol game is a game in which the symbol elements in each column are displayed in order in the variation state and the variation stop state.

  When the CPU 41 proceeds to step S73 in FIG. 14, the remaining time of the special symbol game is updated based on subtracting the set value from the timer T1. Then, the process proceeds to step S74, and the subtraction result of the timer T1 is compared with “0”. Here, when it is detected that the subtraction result of the timer T1 is “0”, the end of the special symbol game is determined, and the middle symbol fluctuation stop signal is output to the LED circuit 44 as a variable stop signal in step S75. This middle symbol variation stop signal is a special symbol display signal for stopping the variation of the symbol elements in the middle row of the special symbol according to the setting result. The combination of special symbols is determined based on the fact that the last middle row of symbol elements stops changing.

  When the CPU 41 outputs the middle symbol variation stop signal in step S75, it transmits a game stop command to the effect control circuit 55 in step S76. Then, the effect control circuit 55 transmits an effect end command to the symbol control circuit 59, the sound control circuit 67, and the lighting control circuit 72, and the symbol control circuit 59, the sound control circuit 67, and the lighting control circuit 72 send the effect end command. The decorative symbol game is finished based on the detection. In other words, the game stop command instructs the sub-control circuit to end the variable display of the decoration symbol, and the decoration symbol variable end instruction is issued in synchronism with instructing the variable symbol variable end in step S75. The symbol and the special symbol are variably stopped at the same timing.

When the CPU 41 transmits a game stop command in step S76, the previous big hit / loss determination result is detected in step S77. If a disconnection is detected, the symbol variation flag is reset to an off state in step S80, and if a big hit is detected, the process proceeds to step S78.
When the CPU 41 proceeds to step S78, the big hit game data is transmitted to the effect control circuit 55. In step S79, the big hit game flag is set to the on state, and in step S80, the symbol variation flag is set to the off state. Then, the effect control circuit 55 sets the jackpot game effect data based on the transmission result of the jackpot game data, and transmits it to the symbol control circuit 59, the sound control circuit 67, and the illumination control circuit 72. The symbol control circuit 59, the sound control circuit 67, and the electrical decoration control circuit 72 set the effect content of the jackpot game based on the transmission result of the jackpot game effect data, and execute the effect content setting result to execute the jackpot game Start production.
4-2-5. Big hit game processing CPU41 will judge the setting state of the big hit game flag, if it transfers to step S81 of FIG. Here, when it is detected that the big hit game flag is set to the ON state, the process proceeds to step S82, and the big hit round is executed. As described above, this jackpot round is an act of allowing a pachinko ball to win a prize in the big prize opening 25 based on opening the big prize opening 25. The number of pachinko balls won in the big prize opening 25 Is terminated based on the satisfaction of either the number condition for reaching the upper limit or the time condition for the opening time of the special winning opening 25 to reach the upper limit.

The big hit round is repeated up to a preset number of times, and the CPU 41 determines that the big hit game has ended when it detects that the final big hit round has ended in step S83, and effects control in step S84. A game stop command for a big hit game is transmitted to the circuit 55, and the big hit game flag is reset to an OFF state in step S85. This game stop command is a command to stop the production of the big hit game, and the production control circuit 55 detects the big hit game to the symbol control circuit 59, the sound control circuit 67 and the electric decoration control circuit 72 based on detecting the game stop command. A production end command is sent to finish the jackpot game presentation.
5). Internal processing of the effect control circuit 55 When the CPU 57 of the effect control circuit 55 proceeds to step S201 in FIG. 16, the presence / absence of special game data is determined. This special symbol game data refers to the special symbol setting result and the variation pattern setting result set by the main control circuit 40 based on the detection results of the random counters R1 to R5 and the like at the start of the special symbol game. When the special symbol game data is detected in step S201, the process proceeds to step S202, and the decorative symbol game data is set. The decorative symbol game data includes a special symbol setting result and a variation pattern setting result. When the CPU 57 sets the decorative symbol game data in step S202, the decorative symbol game data setting result is displayed in step S203. 59, the sound control circuit 67, and the illumination control circuit 72.

  When the sound control circuit 67 detects the decorative symbol game data from the effect control circuit 55, the sound control circuit 67 sets sequence data having contents corresponding to the variation pattern of the decorative symbol game data. This sequence data is recorded with commands for controlling the driving contents of both speakers 12 together with the execution timing. The execution timing of this sequence data corresponds to the elapsed time of the decorative symbol game that starts measurement based on the sound control circuit 67 detecting the effect start command from the effect control circuit 55. The sound control circuit 67 The commands are executed in order based on the time measurement result reaching the execution timing, and the sound part of the decorative symbol game is composed.

  When the decoration control circuit 72 detects the decoration symbol game data from the effect control circuit 55, the decoration control circuit 72 sets sequence data having contents corresponding to the variation pattern of the decoration symbol game data. In this sequence data, a command for controlling the driving content of the illumination LED 15 is recorded together with the execution timing. The execution timing of this sequence data corresponds to the elapsed time of the decorative symbol game that starts measurement based on the fact that the illumination control circuit 72 detects the effect start command from the effect control circuit 55. Executes the commands in order based on the elapsed time measurement result reaching the execution timing, and composes the light portion of the decorative symbol game.

  When the symbol control circuit 59 detects the decoration symbol game data from the effect control circuit 55, the symbol element in the left column, the symbol element in the middle column, and the symbol element in the right column of the decoration symbol are simultaneously started to change. Set the sequence data with the content according to the fluctuation pattern. In this sequence data, a command for controlling the display content of the decorative symbol display 34 is recorded together with the execution timing. The execution timing of the sequence data corresponds to the elapsed time of the decorative symbol game that starts measurement based on the detection of the effect start command from the effect control circuit 55 by the symbol control circuit 59. The commands are sequentially executed based on the time measurement result reaching the execution timing, and the video portion of the decorative symbol game is composed. This sequence data includes a command to stop the variation of the symbol elements in the left column, the symbol elements in the right column, and the symbol elements in the middle column with the decorative symbol game data from the effect control circuit 55. 59, the symbol elements in the left column, the symbol elements in the right column, and the symbol elements in the middle column are changed and stopped in order according to the command, and the player is notified of the big hit and miss by the combination of the symbol elements in the three columns.

  (A) of FIG. 17 shows sequence data for complete detachment that is set when a variation pattern KP for complete detachment is detected. The sequence data for complete detachment includes a left symbol variation stop command and a right symbol variation stop. Command / medium symbol variation stop command is set. Of these, the timings t1 and t2 are set for the left symbol variation stop command and the right symbol variation stop command, and the symbol control circuit 59 performs the left symbol variation stop command at timing t1, as shown in FIG. The symbol elements in the left column are variably stopped based on the setting result, and the symbol elements in the right column are variably stopped based on the setting result based on the execution of the right symbol variation stop command at timing t2. The timing is not set for the final middle symbol variation stop command, and the symbol control circuit 59 variably stops the symbol elements in the middle row based on the setting result based on detecting the effect end command from the effect control circuit 55. .

  FIG. 18A shows normal reach sequence data set when a normal reach variation pattern NP is detected. In this sequence data, a reach command and a low-speed fluctuation command are set. As shown in FIG. 18B, the symbol control circuit 59 stops changing the symbol elements in the right column at timing t2, and then performs timing t2. A reach character appears at -1. Then, the fluctuation speed of the symbol elements in the middle row is delayed at timing t3. The timing for the final middle symbol variation stop command is not set in the sequence data for normal reach, and the symbol control circuit 59 detects the middle symbol variation based on the detection of the effect end command from the effect control circuit 55. Execute the stop command and stop changing the middle row of symbol elements according to the setting result.

  FIG. 19 (a) shows special reach sequence data set when detecting the special reach variation patterns SP1 to SP4. In this sequence data, all symbols erase command, reach action command, and all symbols static display command are set after the reach command, and the symbol control circuit 59 at timing t2-1 as shown in FIG. A reach character appears, the symbol elements in the left column to the right column are simultaneously erased at timing t2-2, and a story-like reach action screen is displayed at timing t2-3. The timing for the final all symbols still display command is not set in the sequence data for special reach, and the symbol control circuit 59 detects all the symbols based on the detection of the effect end command from the effect control circuit 55. The still display command is executed, and the symbol elements in the left column to the right column are statically displayed simultaneously with the setting result. This reach action screen has a different progress depending on the variation patterns SP1 to SP4. When a big hit symbol is detected, a story that reminds the player of the big hit is set as the ending of the story, and when a missed reach symbol is detected As the ending, a thing that reminds the player to come off is set.

  When the CPU 57 of the effect control circuit 55 transmits the decorative symbol game data in step S203 of FIG. 16, an effect start command is transmitted to the symbol control circuit 59, the sound control circuit 67, and the illumination control circuit 72 in step S204. This effect start command instructs the start of execution of sequence data, and the symbol control circuit 59 starts control according to the sequence data of the decorative symbol display 34 based on detection of the effect start command, and performs sound control. The circuit 67 and the electrical decoration control circuit 72 start control according to the sequence data of both the speakers 12 and the plurality of LEDs 15 based on detecting the effect start command.

  When the CPU 57 proceeds to step S205 in FIG. 16, the CPU 57 determines whether or not there is a game stop command. This game stop command is for a decorative symbol game that is transmitted by the main control circuit 40 when the variable display time corresponding to the result of setting the variation pattern has elapsed, and the CPU 57 issues a game stop command for the decorative symbol game in step S205. When it is detected, an effect end command for the decorative symbol game is transmitted to the symbol control circuit 59, the sound control circuit 67, and the illumination control device 72 in step S206. Then, as described above, the symbol control circuit 59 determines the combination of the three rows of decorative symbols based on executing the final command of the sequence data, and the sound control circuit 67 and the electrical decoration control circuit 72 are connected to the speaker 12. And the control based on the sequence data of LED15 is finished.

  The main control circuit 40 outputs a middle symbol variation stop signal in step S75 of FIG. 14, confirms the combination of the special symbols of the three columns based on the variation stop of the symbol elements of the middle symbol of the special symbol, and confirms the combination. A game stop command is transmitted in step S76 immediately after the completion. The effect control circuit 55 transmits an effect end command to the symbol control circuit 59 based on detecting the game stop command from the main control circuit 40, and the symbol control circuit 59 detects sequence data based on detecting the effect end command. The final command is executed to determine the combination of the three rows of decorative symbols. That is, the game stop command and the effect end command are transmitted substantially simultaneously, and the combination of the three rows of decorative symbols is determined almost simultaneously with the determination of the combination of the three rows of special symbols.

  When the CPU 57 proceeds to step S207, the CPU 57 determines whether or not there is jackpot game data. The big hit game data is transmitted by the main control circuit 40 at the start of the big hit game. When the big hit game data is detected in step S207, the CPU 57 proceeds to step S208 and sets the big hit game effect data. The jackpot game effect data has contents indicating that the jackpot symbol is displayed. When the CPU 57 sets the jackpot game effect data in step S208, the process proceeds to step S209. Here, the big hit game effect data is transmitted to the symbol control circuit 59, the sound control circuit 67, and the electrical decoration control circuit 72, and the big hit game effect start command is transmitted in step S210. Then, the symbol control circuit 59, the sound control circuit 67, and the electrical decoration control circuit 72 set the sequence data for the big hit game effect, and controls the decorative symbol display 34, the speaker 12, and the LED 15 based on the setting result of the sequence data. This will produce a big hit game with video, sound and light.

  When proceeding to step S211, the CPU 57 determines whether or not there is a game stop command for the big hit game. This game stop command is transmitted by the main control circuit 40 at the end of the big hit game. When the CPU 57 detects a big hit game stop command in step S211, the symbol control circuit 59 and the sound control circuit 67 in step S212. An effect end command for a big hit game is transmitted to the illumination control circuit 72. Then, the symbol control circuit 59 finishes the control of the decorative symbol display 34 based on the sequence data, and the sound control circuit 67 and the electrical decoration control circuit 72 finish the control of the speaker 12 and the control of the LED 15 based on the sequence data.

According to the first embodiment, the following effects are obtained.
Since the special symbol and the decorative symbol are individually variably displayed on the special symbol indicator 30 and the decorative symbol indicator 34, and the variation symbol is started and stopped in synchronization with the special symbol, the decorative symbol indicator 34 is complicated. Even when the animation screen is displayed in the story development, the winning determination result can be transmitted to the player based on the display content of the special symbol display 30.

The variation stop timings were matched only between the symbol elements in the last middle row of the special symbols and the symbol elements in the last middle row of the decorative symbols. This eliminates the need for complicated processing for matching the variation stop timing between all the symbol elements of the special symbol and all the symbol elements of the decorative symbol, and thus the processing content of the main control circuit 40 is particularly simplified.
In the first embodiment, the main control circuit 40 transmits the variation pattern setting result and the special symbol setting result as special symbol game data to the effect control circuit 55. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the configuration may be such that the setting result of the variation pattern is transmitted. In this case, the decorative design may be set independently from the effect control circuit 55 to the design control circuit 59 based on the setting result of the variation pattern. Hereinafter, a second embodiment of the present invention in which the symbol control circuit 59 sets a decorative symbol based on the setting result of the variation pattern will be described.

  When the CPU 41 of the main control circuit 40 proceeds to step S55 in FIG. 20, it determines the setting state of the probability variation mode. This process is performed based on the setting state of the probability variation flag. When the CPU 41 detects that the probability variation flag is set to the on state, the CPU 41 determines that the probability variation mode is activated and performs the step. The process proceeds to S56, and when it is detected that the probability variation flag is set to the OFF state, it is determined that the probability variation mode is invalidated, and the procedure proceeds to Step S57.

  When proceeding to step S56, the CPU 41 detects the acquisition result of the random counter R3 from the reserved data area “1” of the RAM 43 and compares it with the three jackpot values “3, 5, 7”. Here, when it is detected that the acquisition result of the random counter R3 is not the same as any of the three jackpot values, it is determined that it is out, and it is detected that the acquisition result of the random counter R3 is the same as any of the three jackpot values. If you do, it will be judged as a big hit. That is, in the effective state of the probability variation mode, the big hit is determined with a relatively high probability of “3/361”.

  In step S57, the CPU 41 detects the acquisition result of the random counter R3 from the reserved data area “1” of the RAM 43 and compares it with one big hit value “7”. Here, when it is detected that the acquisition result of the random counter R3 is different from one jackpot value, it is determined to be out, and when it is detected that the acquisition result of the random counter R3 is the same as one jackpot value. Judged as a big hit. That is, in the invalid state of the probability variation mode, the big hit is determined with a relatively low probability of “1/361”.

When the CPU 41 determines the big hit or miss, it detects the big hit and miss judgment results in step S35. When a big hit is detected, the process proceeds to step S36, where the acquisition result of the random counter R4 is detected from the reserved data area “1”, and the big hit symbol is set based on the detection result of the random counter R4.
When the CPU 41 sets a jackpot symbol at step S36, the CPU 41 determines the acquisition state of the probability variation mode at step S58. The acquisition state of the probability variation mode is determined according to the jackpot symbol setting result. When the CPU 41 detects that the jackpot symbol setting result is an odd probability variation symbol, it is determined that the probability variation mode is acquired. In step S59, the probability variation mode is validated based on setting the probability variation flag to the on state. If it is detected in step S58 that the result of setting the jackpot symbol is an even number of normal symbols, it is determined that the probability variation mode has not been acquired, and the probability variation based on resetting the probability variation flag to the OFF state in step S60. Disable the mode. That is, whether or not the probability variation mode has been acquired is distributed with a probability of “½” on the condition that the jackpot is determined.

  In the ROM 42 of the main control circuit 40, as shown in FIGS. 21A and 21B, a variation pattern table for acquiring the probability variation mode and a variation pattern table for not acquiring the probability variation mode are recorded. Has been. These fluctuation patterns indicate the relationship between the random counter R1, the fluctuation pattern, and the fluctuation display time. When the CPU 41 proceeds to step S37 in FIG. 20, it detects the acquisition result of the probability fluctuation mode. For example, when the acquisition of the probability variation mode is detected, a variation pattern corresponding to the random counter R1 is selectively set from the variation pattern table of FIG. 21A in step S37, and according to the random counter R1 in step S38 of FIG. Select between the variable display. When non-acquisition of the probability variation mode is detected, a variation pattern corresponding to the random counter R1 is selectively set from the variation pattern table of FIG. 21B in step S37, and the random counter R1 is determined in step S38 of FIG. Select between the variable display according to.

  In the ROM 42 of the main control circuit 40, as shown in FIG. 21C, a fluctuation pattern table for outreach is recorded. This fluctuation pattern shows the relationship between the random counter R1, the fluctuation pattern, and the fluctuation display time. The CPU 41 sets the detach reach symbol in step S41 of FIG. 20, and the fluctuation pattern of FIG. 21 (c) in step S42. A variation pattern corresponding to the random counter R1 is selectively set from the table, and a variation display interval corresponding to the random counter R1 is selectively set in step S43 of FIG.

When the CPU 41 proceeds to step S47 in FIG. 20, it transmits only the setting result of the variation pattern as special symbol game data to the effect control circuit 55. Then, the effect control circuit 55 transmits the variation pattern setting result to the symbol control circuit 59.
The CPU 60 of the symbol control circuit 59 corresponds to a decorative symbol setting means, and sets a decorative symbol based on the variation pattern from the effect control circuit 55. Then, the sequence data is set based on the setting result of the variation pattern and the setting result of the decorative design, and the display contents of the decorative design display 34 are controlled based on the setting result of the sequence data, thereby producing the variation display of the decorative design. The operation is stopped according to the setting result of the control circuit 55. Hereinafter, the decorative symbol setting process of the symbol control circuit 59 will be described.

  In the ROM 61 of the symbol control circuit 59, a decorative symbol table is recorded as shown in FIG. This decorative design table shows the relationship between the variation pattern for big hits and the decorative design, and the CPU 60 of the design control circuit 59 receives from the effect control circuit 55 the variation patterns NP · SP1 to SP4 · NP-1 · SP1 for big hits. When any one of -1 to SP4-1 is detected, a decorative symbol corresponding to the detection result of the variation pattern is set from the decorative symbol table of FIG.

  In the decorative symbol table, odd probability variation symbols are set corresponding to the variation patterns NP and SP1 to SP4 for the probability variation mode, and when the main control circuit 40 determines to acquire the probability variation mode, the symbol control circuit 59 Sets odd odd probability variation symbols as decorative symbols. Further, even numbers of normal symbols are set in the decorative symbol table corresponding to the variation patterns NP-1 and SP1-1 to SP4-1 for the non-stochastic variation mode, and the main control circuit 40 is set to the non-probability variation mode. When the acquisition is determined, the symbol control circuit 59 sets an even number of normal symbols as a decorative symbol.

  The CPU 60 of the symbol control circuit 59 starts the timer interrupt program of FIG. 23 every time a set time (specifically, 4 msec) elapses, and updates the random counter R11 in step S301. The random counter R11 is a three-digit counter similar to the random counter R5 of the main control circuit 40, and the first digit is added from “0” to “7” as shown in FIG. It is cyclically added back to “0”, the second digit is incremented by “1” every time the first digit is added from “7” to “0”, the third digit is the second digit Every time the carry is added from “7” to “0”, “1” is added.

When the CPU 60 updates the random counter R11 in step S301 in FIG. 23, the first digit and the third digit of the update result of the random counter R11 are compared in step S302. If it is detected that the two are different, the process proceeds to step S303, and the update result of the random counter R11 is stored in the completely out of symbol area of the RAM 62.
When the CPU 60 detects that the first digit and the third digit of the random counter R11 are the same in step S302, the CPU 60 compares the first digit and the second digit of the random counter R11 in step S304. If it is detected that they are different from each other, the update result of the random counter R11 is stored in the outreach symbol area of the RAM 62 in step S305.

  When the CPU 60 detects any of the variation patterns NP-2 and SP1-2 to SP3-2 for outreach from the effect control circuit 55, the CPU 60 detects the random counter R11 from the outreach pattern area of the RAM 62, and each of the random counters R11. An outreach symbol is set based on adding “1” to the number in the column. Further, when the variation pattern KP for complete detachment is detected from the effect control circuit 55, the random counter R11 is detected from the complete detachment symbol area of the RAM 62, and “1” is added to the number in each column of the random counter R11. And set a completely off pattern.

  In the second embodiment, one probability variation symbol is assigned to the variation pattern for jackpot when the probability variation mode is acquired, and one normal variation pattern is allocated to the variation pattern for jackpot when the probability variation mode is not acquired. The symbols are assigned, but the present invention is not limited to this. A plurality of probability variation symbols and a plurality of normal symbols are allotted, and a plurality of probability variation symbols and a plurality of normal symbols are assigned based on the acquisition result of the random counter. And may be configured to be selectively set.

  In the first to second embodiments, the decorative symbol display 34 displays the decorative symbol composed of the same number of symbol elements as the special symbol. However, the present invention is not limited to this, for example, the third embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 24 showing an example, a decorative symbol composed of a number of symbol elements different from the special symbol may be displayed.

The figure which shows 1st Example of this invention (a is a front view which shows the whole structure, b is a side view) Front view showing game board Block diagram showing electrical configuration Flow chart showing main processing of main control circuit Diagram for explaining the contents of random counter addition Flow chart showing timer interrupt processing of main control circuit (A) is a diagram showing a list of random counters, (b) is a diagram showing a list of normal counters, (c) is a diagram showing a list of timers. Flow chart showing start signal processing of main control circuit Diagram showing the pending data area of the main control circuit Flow chart showing game start processing of main control circuit The figure which shows the relationship between a random counter, a fluctuation pattern, and fluctuation display time (a is a figure which shows the fluctuation pattern table for jackpots, b is a figure which shows the fluctuation pattern table for outreach) The figure which shows the sequence data for special symbol game (a is the figure which shows the sequence data for the big hit and out of reach, b is the figure which shows the sequence data for complete out) Flowchart showing sequence data setting process of main control circuit Flow chart showing game end processing of main control circuit The flowchart which shows the big hit game processing of the main control circuit The flowchart which shows the decoration design control processing of the production control circuit (A) is a figure which shows the sequence data for a decoration symbol game at the time of a perfect detachment determination, (b) is a figure which shows the display screen of a decoration symbol display (A) is a figure which shows the sequence data for a decoration symbol game at the time of a normal reach determination, (b) is a figure which shows the display screen of a decoration symbol display (A) is a diagram showing sequence data for decorative symbol game at the time of special reach determination, (b) is a diagram showing a display screen of a decorative symbol display The figure which shows 2nd Example of this invention (The flowchart which shows the game start process of a main control circuit) (A) is a diagram showing a variation pattern table for jackpots at the time of probability variation determination, (b) is a diagram showing variation pattern table for jackpots at the time of non-probability variation determination, (c) is a variation pattern table for outreach reach Figure showing A diagram showing the relationship between decorative patterns and variation patterns Flow chart showing random counter update processing of effect control circuit The figure which shows 3rd Example of this invention (front view which shows a game board)

Explanation of symbols

  22 is a start port, 30 is a special symbol display, 34 is a decorative symbol display, 40 is a main control circuit, 41 is a CPU (big hit random number acquisition means, variable time random number acquisition means, big hit determination means, special figure setting means, time Setting means, determination result notification means, start control means, start instruction means, measurement means, special figure stop control means, end instruction means, variation pattern selection means, variation pattern instruction means), 42 ROM (recording means), 59 Symbol control circuit (sub-control circuit) 60 is a CPU (variable start control means, variable stop control means, decorative symbol setting means).

Claims (4)

A special symbol indicator having a relatively small display area;
A decorative symbol display having a larger display area than the special symbol display;
A main control circuit for variably displaying a special symbol composed of a plurality of symbol elements on the special symbol indicator based on the pachinko ball effectively winning the starting opening;
A sub-control circuit that variably displays a decorative symbol made up of the same or different number of symbol elements as the special symbol on the decorative symbol display in conjunction with the main control circuit starting the variable symbol variable display;
The main control circuit includes:
A jackpot random number obtaining means for obtaining a jackpot random number based on the pachinko ball effectively winning the starting opening;
Variable time random number acquisition means for acquiring variable time random numbers;
Jackpot determination means for determining jackpot and loss based on the acquisition result of the jackpot random number acquisition means;
Special figure setting means for setting a special symbol according to the determination result of the jackpot determination means;
Time setting means for setting the variable display time of the special symbol based on the acquisition result of the variable time random number acquisition means;
Start control means for starting and controlling special symbol variable display; start instruction means for instructing the sub-control circuit to start variable display of decorative symbols in synchronization with the variable symbol start timing; and variable symbol display time for special symbols. A measurement means for measuring, and a setting result of the special figure setting means by outputting a variable stop command to the special symbol display based on the measurement result of the measurement means reaching the setting result of the time setting means. And a determination result notifying means having a stop instruction means for instructing the sub-control circuit to end the variable display of the decorative symbol in synchronization with the output timing of the variable stop command. And
The sub control circuit includes:
Based on detecting a variable start instruction from the main control circuit, variable start control means for displaying a variable animation of a decorative design on the decorative design display in synchronization with the variable start of a special design;
Based on detecting a variable end instruction from the main control circuit, it is configured to include variable stop control means for stopping the variable animation of the decorative symbol of the decorative symbol display in synchronization with the variable symbol variable stop. A gaming machine characterized by that. The special symbol stopping means is
It is characterized by performing control to variably stop the remaining symbol elements excluding the final symbol element at a preset timing and adjust the variable stop timing of the final symbol element according to the setting result of the variable time setting means. The gaming machine according to claim 1. The main control circuit includes:
A recording means in which a plurality of variation patterns indicating the relationship between the special symbol, the variable time random number, and the variable symbol variable display time are recorded,
A variation pattern selecting means as a time setting means for selecting a variation pattern according to a special symbol setting result and a variable time random number acquisition result from a plurality of variation patterns, and setting a variable display time according to the variation pattern selection result; ,
A variation pattern instruction means as a start instruction means for instructing to start variable display of decorative symbols on the basis of transmitting a variation pattern selection result to the sub-control circuit;
The sub control circuit includes:
The gaming machine according to claim 1, further comprising a decoration symbol setting unit that sets a decoration symbol stop mode based on a variation pattern from the main control circuit. The main control circuit includes:
A recording means in which a plurality of variation patterns indicating the relationship between the special symbol, the variable time random number, and the variable display time of the special symbol are recorded,
A variation pattern selecting means as a time setting means for selecting a variation pattern according to a special symbol setting result and a variable time random number acquisition result from a plurality of variation patterns, and setting a variable display time according to the variation pattern selection result; ,
A variation pattern indicating means as a start instructing means for instructing to start variable display of decorative symbols based on transmitting a variation pattern selection result and a special symbol setting result to the sub-control circuit;
The sub control circuit includes:
The gaming machine according to claim 1, further comprising a decoration symbol setting unit that sets a decoration symbol stop mode based on a special symbol setting result from the main control circuit.

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