JP2006034437A - Game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a game machine which can determine the game situation after the game balls enter the open/close role objects. <P>SOLUTION: The game machine has a transparent game board formed out of a transparent member, a display means which is so arranged on the rear side of the transparent game board as to be visually recognized through the transparent game board, a plurality of open/close role objects which are provided on the transparent game board and made mobile between the closed position of making the game balls harder to enter and the open position of making the game balls easier to enter and a linkage mechanism which is so arranged as to make other open/close role objects open or close mechanically in a chain reaction with each other as caused by the game balls entering the given open/close role object among the plurality of open/close role objects. A discharge path for discharging the game balls earning the entry below the game machine is provided within each of the open/close role objects. The discharge path is branched off into the first discharge path which gets other open/close role objects linked to it and the second discharge path which gets none of them. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2006,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to a gaming machine, and more particularly, to a bullet ball gaming machine in which a gaming ball is launched on a gaming board so that a profit can be obtained by the behavior of the gaming ball.

  Conventionally, there is a ball game machine as one of the game machines, and a pachinko game machine is known as a representative of this ball game machine.

  This pachinko gaming machine is a game for the purpose of launching a game ball on a game board to enter a predetermined winning opening and acquiring more winning balls to be paid out in accordance with the winning.

  There are various types of winning holes, and in particular, with the initial state being a closed state, the game ball opens when the game ball enters, and also opens and closes when the game ball enters in the open state Some have so-called “tulip-type objects”.

  In such an opening and closing accessory, the left and right movable pieces are standing in parallel in an initial state, and a passage having a width of approximately one game ball is formed between the movable pieces, but the game ball passes through this passage. If you win a prize opening with an opening and closing accessory, the left and right movable pieces will open, and each will be in a lying state, and the game balls that have fallen on both movable pieces will be led to the prize opening, making it easy to play many game balls You can win a prize. Therefore, the player has a strong interest in the opening / closing operation of the opening / closing member. In addition, the state where both movable pieces are standing and positioned in parallel is referred to as a closed state, and the recumbent state where both movable pieces are open is referred to as an open state or an open state of the movable pieces.

Paying attention to such game balls that enter the opening / closing accessory, a distinction is made between a game ball that enters when the opening / closing accessory is open and a game ball that enters when the opening / closing accessory is closed. Thus, there has been proposed a gaming machine in which the player is informed of the gaming situation accurately (see, for example, Patent Document 1).
JP 2001-300044 A

  However, the conventional gaming machine represented by the above-mentioned Patent Document 1 merely distinguishes and notifies a game ball that is entered when the opening and closing accessory is open and a game ball that is entered when the opening and closing accessory is closed. Therefore, it was effective as a means of accurately informing the player of the game situation when the game ball entered the opening / closing tool, but the game situation after the game ball entered the opening / closing tool Since it was not informed, the player could not know the game development after entering the ball, and despite being highly interested in the opening and closing role, the interest was not satisfied .

  In the first aspect of the present invention, it is possible to guide the shot game ball to flow downward from the upper side to the lower side, a transparent game board in which a part or all of the game ball is formed of a transparent member, and the back can be seen through, and the transparent game. Display means arranged on the back side of the transparent game board so that it can be seen through the board, and forming an effect displayable area on substantially the entire surface of the transparent game board; provided on the transparent game board; A plurality of opening and closing accessories movable in a closed state in which it is difficult to enter a ball and an open state in which a game ball can easily enter, and a game ball that has entered a predetermined opening and closing accessory among the plurality of opening and closing members And an interlocking mechanism that is arranged so that other opening and closing objects are expanded in a linked manner, and in the opening and closing object, there is a discharge path for discharging the game balls that have entered the game machine downward Provided, and the discharge path includes a first discharge path that interlocks the other opening / closing member. It was decided to branch to the second discharge path does not link the other of said opening and closing combination thereof.

  In the present invention as defined in claim 2, the state of discharge to the first discharge path and the mode in which the opening / closing member expands in linkage with each other on the display means in accordance with the movement of the interlocking mechanism. An expansion operation effect display control means for effect display is provided.

  According to the present invention, the game ball that has entered a predetermined opening / closing combination among a plurality of opening / closing combinations is configured to mechanically interlock with another opening / closing combination to expand. A first discharge path that links a discharge path provided for discharging a game ball that has entered the opening / closing role to the lower side of the gaming machine and another opening / closing role in a winning opening provided with the opening / closing role. And a second discharge path that is not linked to other opening and closing features, and these configurations are made visible through the transparent gaming board, so that the game balls that enter the opening and closing features are The game development differs depending on whether the game is discharged from the first discharge path or the second discharge path, and the flow-down mode of the game ball that determines the game development and the discharge from the first discharge path The player can be informed of the manner in which the playing ball is linked to the opening and closing accessory. That. Therefore, the player has a strong interest in which discharge path will pass after the game ball enters the opening / closing accessory and watches the flow of the game ball, or the game ball passes through the first discharge path. In this case, it is possible to visually recognize the manner in which the opening / closing combination is interlocked with the game ball together with satisfaction. Thus, the player can grasp the game situation after the game ball enters the opening / closing combination, and can satisfy the high interest in the opening / closing combination.

  The gaming machine according to the present embodiment is capable of guiding the launched game ball from the upper side to the lower side, a transparent game board in which a part or all of the game ball is formed of a transparent member and the back can be seen through, and this transparent game Display means arranged on the back side of the transparent game board so that it can be seen through the board, and forming an effect displayable area on substantially the entire surface of the transparent game board; provided on the transparent game board; A plurality of opening and closing accessories movable in a closed state in which it is difficult to enter a ball and an open state in which a game ball can easily enter, and a game ball that has entered a predetermined opening and closing accessory among the plurality of opening and closing members And an interlocking mechanism that is arranged so that other opening and closing objects are expanded in a linked manner, and in the opening and closing object, there is a discharge path for discharging the game balls that have entered the game machine downward Provided, and the discharge path includes a first discharge path that interlocks the other opening / closing member. It is those where the structure which is branched into a second discharge path which does not link the other of said opening and closing combination thereof, can be preferably carried out as a pachinko machine.

  That is, the display means has an effect displayable area capable of displaying an effect image in accordance with the progress of the game, and is arranged behind the game board so that the effect displayable area and the game area in the game board overlap. Therefore, in this embodiment, a game board provided with obstacle nails and windmills that change the flow direction of the game ball, a game ball winning opening, a winning gate, etc., acrylic resin, polycarbonate resin, methacrylic resin, etc. A display device such as a liquid crystal display or organic EL (Electronic Luminescent) is placed behind the game board so that almost all areas of the game board can be used for effect display. It is a pachinko machine that was installed. Therefore, it is possible to perform an effect display with an unprecedented change using the entire game board, and to give the player a great impact for further enjoying the game. Further, since it is not necessary to reduce the size of the effect displayable area, the visibility is extremely good.

  Such transparent game boards are provided with a plurality of winning holes, and these winning holes can be opened and closed to move between a closed state where game balls are difficult to enter and an open state where game balls are easy to enter. Some are provided with an accessory. An interlocking mechanism that is arranged so that when a game ball enters a predetermined opening / closing accessory among the plurality of opening / closing accessories, the other opening / closing accessory is expanded in a chain in a mechanical manner. It has.

  Furthermore, the winning opening provided with the opening / closing accessory is connected to a discharge path for discharging the game ball that has entered the ball to the lower side of the gaming machine, and this discharge path is linked with other opening / closing combination. It branches into the 1st discharge path and the 2nd discharge path which does not make other opening / closing accessories interlock | cooperate. Therefore, whether or not the opening / closing combination can be interlocked is determined depending on which discharge path the game ball is discharged from, and the development of the game differs in each case. That is, when the game ball passes through the first discharge path, the other opening / closing tool is expanded by the interlocking mechanism, and a lot of game balls are awarded to the expanded opening / closing tool. When the game ball passes through the second discharge path, the other opening / closing member cannot be expanded, and it is difficult to win many game balls.

  As described above, in this embodiment, the game development differs depending on whether the game ball that has entered the opening / closing tool is discharged from the first discharge path or the second discharge path. It is possible to inform the player through the transparent game board of the flow-down mode of the game ball that determines the expansion of the game ball and the mode in which the game ball that passes through the first discharge path interlocks the opening and closing member. Therefore, the player can grasp the situation after the game ball enters the opening / closing accessory, and can satisfy high interest in the opening / closing accessory.

  Here, the game ball discharge state to the first discharge path and the mode in which the opening and closing combination is linked and expanded in a chained manner are displayed on the display means in accordance with the movement of the interlocking mechanism. If the opening operation effect display control means is provided, it is possible to indicate that the player is able to link the game ball discharge status to the first discharge path and the opening / closing accessory in conjunction with the effect display. Can be notified. As a result, it is possible to inform the player in an easy-to-understand manner through the effect display that the game ball is discharged into the first discharge path and that the opening / closing role can be linked, and the player's sense of achievement Can be amplified. In addition, it is possible to provide a sense of superiority to the player by notifying other players that the game state is advantageous.

  Embodiments of the present invention will be specifically described below with reference to the drawings.

(Configuration of pachinko machines)
The pachinko gaming machine 10 of the present embodiment has an outer frame 11 for fixing the pachinko gaming machine 10 to a gaming machine installation base (game island) (not shown) provided in the game hall as shown in FIGS. A main body frame 12 disposed in the outer frame 11, a transparent game board 14 to be detachably attached to the main body frame 12 and other various parts (not shown), and one side pivoted on the main body frame 12. A front frame 16 that can be opened and closed by being worn, and further detachably attached to the back side of the main body frame 12 so as to be positioned on the back side of the transparent game board 14 so as to be visible through the transparent game board 14. And a liquid crystal display device 32 as an attached display means.

  The liquid crystal display device 32 only needs to be disposed so as to overlap all or part of the transparent game board 14 from the back side. In the present embodiment, the liquid crystal display device 32 is disposed substantially over the transparent game board 14. It arrange | positions so that it may overlap. That is, it is arranged so as to overlap at least the entire game area 15 described later formed on the transparent game board 14. It should be noted that the transparent game board 14 that does not correspond to the game area 15 may be disposed so as to overlap all or a part of the front area (hereinafter referred to as “game area outer area 15a”).

  As described above, the liquid crystal display device 32 is disposed so as to overlap substantially the entire transparent game board 14 and can be seen through from the transparent game board 14, so that in this embodiment, at least on the transparent game board 14. The effect displayable area 32a including the entire game area 15 is formed.

  In the effect displayable area 32a, identification information can be variably displayed in a variable display game, which will be described later, and an effect display area and a so-called variable display game display area 34 in which an effect image and a background image related to the game can be displayed. Is formed. In the variable display game display area 34, a normal symbol 94 in a normal symbol game described later can also be displayed.

  Speakers 46R and 46L are attached to the upper part of the main body frame 12, and a firing handle 26 is attached to the lower right side. That is, a player who plays a game on the pachinko gaming machine 10 is positioned on the front side of the pachinko gaming machine 10 so as to be able to operate the launch handle 26 and the like, and is in a state of facing the transparent gaming board 14. .

  Further, on the back side of the firing handle 26, a launching device 130 (see FIG. 7) having a bullet ball device made of a solenoid or the like is provided. Further, a touch sensor (not shown) is provided on the periphery of the launching handle 26. ) Is provided, and when the touch sensor is touched, it is detected that the firing handle 26 is gripped by the player. When the shooting handle 26 is gripped by the player and is rotated in the clockwise direction, electric power is supplied to the shooting device 130 according to the rotation angle, and the game balls are sequentially supplied to the transparent game board 14. Fired. Note that the touch sensor provided on the firing handle 26 may be any sensor that can determine that the player has gripped the firing handle 26. The type of sensor, such as an optical detection sensor or a thermal detection sensor, may be used. It doesn't matter.

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

  The transparent game board 14 applied to the present embodiment is formed of a transparent member using acrylic resin and is entirely transparent, and arc guide rails 30a and 30b are provided on the front surface thereof. An inner side surrounded by the guide rails 30a and 30b is a game area 15. The game ball launched by the operation of the launch handle 26 is guided by the guide rail 30a and flows down in the game area 15.

  Further, a plurality of obstacle nails 13 are driven on the transparent game board 14 as shown in FIG. 2, and the flow direction when the game ball flows down from the upper part to the lower part of the game area 15 is changed in a complicated manner. ing. In addition, it is good also as a structure which does not set it as the structure which drives the obstruction nail | claw 13, but protrudes in the front direction of the transparent game board 14 with the resin-made or metal rod-shaped body (what is called a pachikon machine). Note that the obstacle nail 13 is omitted in FIGS. 1 and 3.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 3, the first game ball guiding member 3 and the second game ball guiding member 4 that greatly change the flow direction of the game ball are disposed at a substantially central position of the transparent game board 14 (game area 15). Are arranged in a vertically opposed state. The variable display game display area 34 is formed between the first game ball guiding member 3 and the second game ball guiding member 4. The first game ball guiding member 3 and the second game ball guiding member 4 can also be formed of a transparent member.

  In addition, the transparent game board 14 is won by a plurality of general winning holes 5a to 5d that are awarded when a game ball enters, a starting opening 6 that triggers a variable display game to be described later, and a variable display game. The special winning opening 8 that can be opened for a predetermined time, and further, the general winning openings 5a to 5d, the starting opening 6 and the game balls that have not entered the large winning opening 8 are discharged to the game area outer area 15a. 7 is disposed.

  The big winning opening 8 is provided with a shutter 40 that can be opened and closed. In the round game, the shutter 40 is in an open state in which a game ball can be easily received. That is, in the special winning opening 8, a specific area V zone (not shown) having a V count sensor 102 (see FIG. 7) and a general area (not shown) having a count sensor 104 (see FIG. 7). And the shutter 40 is opened until a predetermined number (for example, 10) of game balls have passed through each area or a predetermined time (for example, 30 seconds) has passed. is there. And when either is satisfy | filled, the shutter 40 will be closed and the special winning opening 8 will be in the closed state which cannot accept a game ball. The grand prize winning port 8 that has been closed in this manner is opened again on condition that the game ball that entered the special prize winning port 8 has passed the V count sensor 102 in the previous round game, Round games can be continued up to the determined maximum number of rounds.

  Further, the start opening 6 provided above the special winning opening 8 serves as an opportunity for starting the variable display game as described above, and when the game ball wins the start opening 6, the variable display game is provided. Is started, and a plurality of columns of identification information groups are variably displayed on the effect displayable area 32a. Note that symbols as identification information used in the variable display game in the present embodiment are arithmetic numbers 0 to 9, and an identification information group in which a plurality of pieces of identification information are collected is a variable display game display area of a predetermined size. 34 can be displayed in three horizontal rows.

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

  In addition, when the game ball enters the start port 6, the variable display game is being executed, and the variable display game can be held on condition that the upper limit hold number has not been reached. . That is, when a game ball wins the start opening 6 during the variable display of the identification information group in the variable display game, the game ball wins the start opening 6 until the identification information group in the variable display is stopped and displayed. The execution (start) of the variation display of the identification information group based is suspended. Then, when the identification information of each identification information group is stopped and displayed in a state where execution of variable display of the identification information group is suspended, execution of variable display of the suspended identification information group is started. . Here, when the identification information is stopped and displayed, the variable display of the identification information group is executed once. For example, when the identification information group is suspended for three times and the identification information is stopped and displayed, one of the variable display of the identification information held is executed once, The two doses will be held thereafter.

  In addition, for example, 10 game balls are paid out as winning balls for each winning ball when entering the general winning holes 5a to 5d and the grand winning hole 8, and the starting hole 6 is entered. In this case, for example, five game balls are paid out as winning balls for each winning ball.

  Further, ball passage detection gates 55, 55 are provided on the left and right sides of the starting port 6, and when the ball passage detection gate 55 detects the passage of a game ball, as shown in FIG. When the normal symbol 94 fluctuates at a predetermined position of the display device 32 and is stopped and displayed with a predetermined symbol such as a circle as shown, for example, the normal electric accessory solenoid 118 (see FIG. 7) causes the start port A movable piece 58 attached to 6 (a so-called electric tulip called a tulip) is driven in the opening direction from the initial closed state so that the game ball can easily enter the starting port 6. This electric accessory is a kind of opening / closing accessory, and the opening / closing timing of such an opening / closing accessory is electrically detected by the control of the main CPU 66 and the movable piece 58 is opened / closed based on the detection. There are a type and a type in which a movable piece is mechanically opened and closed by a game ball that has entered. Although the starting port 6 in the present embodiment is the former, it can be a latter type of opening / closing member. The latter type of opening / closing accessory is provided at the general winning awards 5a to 5d and will be described in detail later. When a predetermined time has elapsed, the movable piece 58 is closed again, and the game ball returns to a state where it is difficult to enter the starting port 6. In this embodiment, such change display and stop display of the normal symbol 94 are referred to as a normal symbol game.

  In addition, a path 9 for winning game balls is provided on the back of the transparent gaming board 14, and game balls winning in the general winning ports 5 a to 5 d, the starting port 6 and the big winning port 8 pass through the passage 9. Collected through. Note that the player can visually recognize the game ball passing through the passage 9 through the transparent game board 14.

  Next, the configuration and operation principle of the opening / closing accessories 50A to 50D provided in the respective general winning ports 5a to 5d will be described with reference to FIGS. These opening / closing features 50A to 50D are mechanically opened and closed by game balls that have entered the opening and closing features 50A to 50D.

  4A and 4B are diagrams showing the opening / closing tool. FIG. 4A is a front view of the opening / closing tool, and FIG. 4B is a side view of the opening / closing tool.

  The opening / closing accessory 50A has first bevel gears 50g, 50h supported on the first rotation shaft 50i on both sides of a rotation body 50k that rotates about the first rotation shaft 50i. Second bevel gears 50e and 50f are configured to mesh with the first bevel gears 50g and 50h, respectively. The movable pieces 50a and 50b are pivotally supported by the second rotating shafts 50c and 50d of the second bevel gears 50e and 50f, respectively, and are arranged to face each other. Further, when the opening / closing accessory 50A is attached to the general winning opening 5a, as shown in FIG. 5, the cover c is covered.

  As shown in FIG. 5, the rotating body 50k has a substantially ginkgo shape in cross section, and has gentle inclined surfaces 50m and 50n on both sides, and rotates about the first rotating shaft 50i. However, the first rotation shaft 50i is provided with a stopper 50j (see FIG. 4) so that the clockwise rotation and the counterclockwise rotation are limited to a predetermined angle. I have to. Therefore, the rotating body 50k is configured to perform a pendulum motion with the tip end portion as an upper side and the inclined surfaces 50m and 50n alternately as upper surfaces.

  The movable pieces 50a and 50b have a predetermined thickness that is substantially tear-drop shape when viewed from the front, and form a notch at the lower part of the side surface that is disposed on the back side of the pachinko gaming machine 10. In the present embodiment, a teardrop shape is used for decoration, but the pair of movable pieces 50a and 50b is in an upright state, and a path with a width of approximately one game ball is formed between the movable pieces 50a and 50b, and a recumbent state is formed. As long as the configuration is such that the game ball dropped on both the movable pieces 50a and 50b is guided between the movable pieces 50a and 50b, it may have any shape.

  Next, the operation principle of the opening / closing member will be described with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram showing the operating principle of the opening / closing tool, FIG. 5 (a) is an explanatory diagram showing the operating principle when the opening / closing tool shifts from the closed state to the open state, and FIG. It is explanatory drawing which shows the operation | movement principle at the time of an opening / closing combination object changing from an open state to a closed state.

  The opening / closing accessory 50A is moved between a closed state in which the game ball is difficult to enter and an open state in which the game ball is easy to enter by the game ball that has entered the opening / closing accessory 50A.

  First, the principle when the opening / closing accessory 50A shifts from the closed state to the open state will be described with reference to FIG. Hereinafter, the rotating direction of the rotating body 50k and the first bevel gear 50h (see FIG. 4) is defined as the clockwise direction or the counterclockwise direction in the right side view, and the second bevel gear 50f (FIG. 4). The direction of rotation of (see) is defined as a clockwise direction or a counterclockwise direction in front view.

  When the opening / closing member 50A is in the closed state, as shown in FIG. 4 and FIG. 5A, the rotating body 50k is rotated counterclockwise by the action of the stopper 50j described above with the inclined surface 50m as the upper surface. It does not move. In this state, when the game ball falls from above the rotating body 50k, it rolls on the inclined surface 50m of the rotating body 50k and rotates the rotating body 50k in the clockwise direction. Therefore, the first bevel gear 50h rotates in the clockwise direction, and the second bevel gear 50f meshed with the first bevel gear 50g rotates in the counterclockwise direction. Further, this rotation is transmitted to the movable piece 50b by the second rotation shaft 50d, and the movable piece 50b is expanded. Similarly, as the rotating body 50k rotates, the movable piece 50a also expands, and the opening / closing accessory 50A in the closed state is opened. The rotated rotating body 50k has an inclined surface 50n as an upper surface, and does not rotate clockwise due to the action of the stopper 50j.

  Next, the principle when the opening / closing accessory transitions from the open state to the closed state will be described with reference to FIGS. 4 and 5B.

  When the opening / closing accessory 50A is in the open state, as described above, the rotating body 50k is in a state in which it does not rotate in the clockwise direction by the action of the stopper 50j with the inclined surface 50n as the upper surface. In this state, when the game ball falls from above the rotating body 50k, the game ball flows down while pressing the inclined surface 50n of the rotating body 50k, and the rotating body 50k is rotated counterclockwise. As a result, the first bevel gear 50h rotates counterclockwise, and the second bevel gear 50f meshed with the first bevel gear 50h rotates clockwise. Further, this rotation is transmitted to the movable piece 50b by the second rotation shaft 50d, and the movable piece 50b is closed. Similarly, the movable piece 50a is also closed by the rotation of the rotating body 50k, and the opening / closing accessory 50A in the open state is closed. The rotated rotating body 50k has the inclined surface 50m as the upper surface and is not rotated counterclockwise by the action of the stopper 50j.

  As described above, the opening / closing tool 50A is opened and closed by the game ball that has entered the opening / closing tool 50A, and alternately switches between a closed state in which the game ball is difficult to enter and an open state in which the game ball is easy to enter. Repeat.

  Note that the opening / closing combination 50B to 50D has the same configuration as the opening / closing combination 50A, and can perform the same operation.

  Next, the configuration and operation principle of the interlocking mechanism 52, which is a feature of the present invention, will be described with reference to FIGS.

  The interlocking mechanism 52 is mechanically interlocked with other opening / closing members 50B, 50D by a game ball that has entered a predetermined opening / closing member 50A, 50C among the plurality of opening / closing members 50A-50D. Is to be expanded. Here, a discharge path for discharging game balls that have entered the opening / closing features 50A, 50C is connected to the general winning ports 5a, 5c provided with predetermined opening / closing features 50A, 50C. As shown in FIG. 6, the discharge path includes a first discharge path 53 that interlocks the other opening / closing accessory 50B and a second discharge path 54 that does not interlock the other opening / closing accessory 50B from the middle of the discharge path. It is branched to. In other words, the interlocking mechanism 52 is provided in the middle of the first discharge path 53, and the other opening / closing accessory 50 </ b> B is mechanically interlocked and linked by a game ball passing through the first discharge path 53. In this way, the operation is expanded. Therefore, the development of the game differs depending on whether the game ball passes through the first discharge path 53 or the second discharge path 54. The first discharge path 53 and the second discharge path 54 may be configured to merge at their lower ends or may be configured not to merge.

  First, the configuration of the interlocking mechanism 52 will be described. Hereinafter, the rotation direction of a driving gear 62, a driven gear 63, and a second bevel gear 50e, which will be described later, is defined as a clockwise direction or a counterclockwise direction when viewed from the front. The direction in which the first bevel gear 50g rotates is defined as a clockwise direction or a counterclockwise direction when viewed from the left side.

  The interlocking mechanism 52 meshes a driven gear 63 rotated by a game ball passing through the first discharge path 53, and a cylinder 52c is interposed between the driven gear 63 and another opening / closing member 50B. The rotation of the driving gear 62 is transmitted to the other opening / closing member 50B.

  That is, the driving gear 62 has a ball receiving portion 61b provided integrally, and is pivotally supported on the transparent game board 14 by the central shaft 61a. Then, the ball receiving portion 61b passes through the first discharge path 53 by a stopper (not shown) that restricts the rotation of the driving gear 62 and a coil spring 65 that biases the driving gear 62 in the clockwise direction. It is arranged to be a position to receive a game ball to be played. A driven gear 63 is meshed with the driving gear 62 so that the rotation of the driving gear 62 can be transmitted to the driven gear 63.

  An upper end connecting portion 52a is fixed to the driven gear 63, and the upper end connecting portion 52a pivotally supports a cylinder outer cylinder 52d of the cylinder 52c by an upper joint portion 52g. On the other hand, the cylinder inner cylinder 52e of the cylinder 52c is pivotally supported by the lower joint portion 52f fixed to the second bevel gear 50e of the other opening / closing member 50B by the lower joint portion 52h.

  Next, the operation principle of the interlocking mechanism 52 will be described.

  First, the operation principle when the interlocking mechanism 52 shifts the opening / closing accessory 50B from the closed state to the open state by passing the game ball through the first discharge path 53 will be described.

  When the opening / closing member 50B is in the closed state, the interlocking mechanism 52 is in a state where the cylinder 52c contracts and is held upward.

  When a game ball entering the opening / closing accessory 50A passes through the first discharge path 53, the game ball falls while pushing the ball receiving portion 61b, thereby rotating the driving gear 62 in the counterclockwise direction. The driven gear 63 meshed with the driving gear 62 is rotated in the clockwise direction. Therefore, the cylinder outer cylinder 52d is lowered. However, since the cylinder 52c is in a contracted state, the cylinder inner cylinder 52e is also lowered, and the second bevel gear 50e is rotated counterclockwise via the lower end connecting portion 52f. The left movable piece 50a is expanded by rotating. Similarly, the movable piece 50b is also expanded by the rotation of the driving gear 62, and the opening / closing accessory 50B in the closed state is opened.

  Thus, after the game ball passes through the first discharge path 53, the driving gear 62 is rotated, and then the driving gear 62 is rotated clockwise by the bias of the coil spring 65, and the stopper Thus, the ball receiving portion 61b is returned to the original position to receive the game ball passing through the first discharge path 53 next. By such rotation of the driving gear 62, the driven gear 63 is rotated in the counterclockwise direction, and the cylinder outer cylinder 52d of the cylinder 52c in the contracted state is raised, but the cylinder inner cylinder 52e is the opening / closing member 50B. Since it is held by the mechanism, it is not displaced, the cylinder 52c is extended, and the cylinder inner cylinder 52e is kept pressed down, whereby the opening / closing member 50B can be kept open.

  Next, the operation principle of the interlocking mechanism 52 when the opening / closing accessory 50B transitions from the open state to the closed state will be described.

  The opening / closing combination 50B that is opened by the interlocking mechanism 52 is shifted from the open state to the closed state by a game ball entering the opening / closing combination 50B. Since this principle has been described above, a detailed description thereof is omitted here.

  At this time, in accordance with the rotation of the second bevel gear 50e, the lower end connecting portion 52f fixed to the second bevel gear 50e rises. Therefore, although the cylinder inner cylinder 52e of the cylinder 52c is raised, the cylinder outer cylinder 52d is fixed at the position by the stopper of the ball receiving portion 61b, so that the cylinder inner cylinder 52e enters the cylinder outer cylinder 52d. It will be. Therefore, the cylinder 52c contracts and returns to the same state as the initial state.

  Note that the opening / closing accessory 50B is not only expanded by the interlock mechanism 52 but also expanded by a game ball entering the opening / closing accessory 50B.

  With the above-described configuration, the pachinko gaming machine 10 according to the present embodiment has the transparent gaming board 14 and the liquid crystal display device 32 disposed so as to be seen through from the transparent gaming board 14, approximately the entire area of the transparent gaming board 14. It is formed as an effect displayable area 32a, and while playing a pachinko game aiming at winning a prize ball by launching a game ball as usual, a variety of effect displays according to the game are displayed over almost the entire area of the transparent game board 14. It can be displayed everywhere, and the player can be entertained with great effects and can be improved. Further, conventionally, when the size of the liquid crystal display device 32 is increased, the size of the game area 15 is relatively reduced, and the change in the behavior of the game ball is scarce, and there is a possibility that the interest of the pachinko game may be cut off. With the configuration of the pachinko gaming machine 10, the game area 15 can be secured sufficiently wide while the effect displayable area 32a can be expanded to execute various effects.

  In the configuration as described above, in this embodiment, in particular, the game ball discharge status to the first discharge path 53 and the mode in which the opening / closing accessories 50 </ b> A to 50 </ b> D are linked to each other are linked and linked. Since the effect display is performed on the liquid crystal display device 32 in accordance with the movement of the mechanism 52, the effect display with a novel change using almost the entire transparent game board 14 can be performed, and the player can further enjoy the game. Can only have a big impact. The expansion operation effect display control means for executing such control will be described in detail later.

(Electric configuration of pachinko machines)
FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing a control circuit of the pachinko gaming machine 10 according to the present embodiment.

  As shown in the figure, a main control circuit 60 as a control unit includes a main CPU 66, a main ROM (read only memory) 68, and a main RAM (read / write memory) 70. The main control circuit 60 controls the progress of the game. That is, the main control circuit 60 performs internal lottery means for internal lottery to determine whether or not the winning or not, displays a plurality of identification information in the variable display game display area 34 based on the lottery result by the internal lottery means, and displays it in a variable manner. An effect display control means for performing an effect display comprising a predetermined effect pattern according to an actual game, and when the lottery result is won and the plurality of identification information is stopped and displayed in a predetermined specific combination, It functions as a plurality of means such as a jackpot game execution means for shifting to a jackpot game state advantageous to the player.

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

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

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

  The main RAM 70 has a function as a temporary storage area of the main CPU 66, and includes a control state flag, a specific area passing flag, a high probability flag, a jackpot determination random number counter, a jackpot symbol determination random number counter, and an off symbol determination random number. Counter, production condition selection random number counter, winning prize opening number counter, winning prize winning counter, out ball counter, starting memory counter, ball passing memory counter, waiting time timer, winning prize opening time timer, which will be described later Data, variables, etc. for supplying commands to the sub-control circuit 200 are positioned.

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

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

  The big prize opening number counter indicates the number of times the big prize opening 8 is released in one big hit gaming state, that is, the number of round games (so-called round number). It has become. Then, when a predetermined detection signal is supplied from the V count sensor 102, the main CPU 66 stores and updates the special winning opening opening number counter to increase by “1”.

  The big prize winning prize counter indicates the number of game balls that won the big prize winning opening 8 during one round and passed the V count sensor 102 or the count sensor 104.

  The out ball counter indicates the number of game balls that do not win any of the winning ports provided on the transparent game board 14 during one round, the so-called out ball number. The main CPU 66 stores and updates the out sphere counter to increase “1” when a predetermined detection signal is supplied from the out sphere sensor 112 described later.

  The start memory number counter indicates the number of suspensions of the variable display game. That is, when a game ball is won at the start port 6 but the variation display of the identification information cannot be executed, the variation display is suspended, and the number of variations of the retained identification information is indicated.

  The ball passing memory number counter indicates the number of reserved regular game (hereinafter also referred to as a ball passing memory number). That is, when a game ball passes through the ball passage detection gate 55 but the fluctuation display of the normal symbol 94 cannot be executed, the fluctuation display is suspended, but the number of fluctuations of the held normal symbol 94 is indicated. is there.

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

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

  The special symbol storage area stores data such as a jackpot determination random number value, a jackpot symbol random number value corresponding to one variable display in the variable display game, and clear data. On the other hand, the normal symbol storage area is the same as the special symbol storage area.

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

  The main control circuit 60 also provides a command to the reset clock pulse generating circuit 59 that generates a clock pulse of a predetermined frequency, an initial reset circuit 64 that generates a reset signal when the power is turned on, and a sub-control circuit 200 described later. IC for serial communication 72 is provided. The reset clock pulse generation circuit 59, the initial reset circuit 64, and the serial communication IC 72 are connected to the main CPU 66. The reset clock pulse generation circuit 59 generates a clock pulse every predetermined period (for example, 2 milliseconds) in order to execute a system timer interrupt process to be described later. The serial communication IC 72 corresponds to transmission means for transmitting various commands to the sub control circuit 200 (various means included in the sub control circuit 200).

  Various devices are connected to the main control circuit 60. For example, as shown in FIG. 7, the V count sensor 102, the count sensor 104, the general winning ball sensor 106, the out ball sensor 112, the first left A discharge path passing ball sensor 113L, a right first discharge path passing ball sensor 113R, a passing ball sensor 114, a starting winning ball sensor 116, a normal electric accessory solenoid 118, a big winning opening solenoid 120, a seesaw solenoid 122, and a backup clear switch 124 It is connected.

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

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

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

  The out ball sensor 112 is provided in the out port 7. The out ball sensor 112 supplies a predetermined detection signal to the main control circuit 60 when a game ball passes through the out port 7.

  The left first discharge path passing ball sensor 113L is provided in the vicinity of the interlocking mechanism 52 of the first discharge path 53 among the discharge paths connected to the general winning opening 5a disposed on the left side of the transparent game board 14. When a game ball passes through the first discharge path 53, a predetermined detection signal is supplied to the main control circuit 60.

  The right first discharge path passing ball sensor 113R is provided in the vicinity of the interlocking mechanism 52 of the first discharge path 53 among the discharge paths connected to the general winning opening 5c arranged on the right side of the transparent game board 14. When a game ball passes through the first discharge path 53, a predetermined detection signal is supplied to the main control circuit 60.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

  Furthermore, the sub-control circuit 200 is connected to the serial communication IC 72. The sub-control circuit 200 performs display control in the liquid crystal display device 32, control related to sound generated from the speakers 46R and 46L, control of various lamps 132, and the like according to various commands supplied from the main control circuit 60. In this embodiment, in particular, the discharge state of the game ball to the first discharge path 53 and the mode in which the opening / closing accessories 50A to 50D expand in a chain manner in conjunction with each other are described. It also functions as an expansion operation effect display control means for effect display on the liquid crystal display device 32 in accordance with the movement.

  In the present embodiment, the main control circuit 60 is configured not to supply commands to the sub control circuit 200 and not to supply signals from the sub control circuit 200 to the main control circuit 60. Not limited to this, the sub control circuit 200 may be configured to transmit a signal to the main control circuit 60.

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

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

  The program ROM 208 stores a program for controlling the game effect of the pachinko gaming machine 10 by the sub CPU 206, and also stores various tables such as a table for making a decision regarding the effect. .

  The program ROM 208 stores a plurality of types of effect patterns. This effect pattern relates to the progress of the effect display, and when the effect pattern is appropriately called and executed by the sub-control circuit 200, various effect displays according to the progress of the game are performed.

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

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

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

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

  The display control circuit 250 includes an image data processor (hereinafter referred to as VDP) 212 as display control means, an image data ROM 216 that stores various image data, a D / A converter 218 that converts image data as an image signal, and power-on 1 includes an initial reset circuit 220 that generates a reset signal.

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

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

  In the image data ROM 216, various image data such as identification information image data indicating identification information, background image data, effect image data, and normal symbol image data indicating a normal symbol 94 are separately stored. In particular, in the present embodiment, when a game ball that has entered the opening / closing tool 50A passes through the first discharge path 53, the discharge status to the first discharge path 53 and the other opening / closing tool 50B are displayed. The left expanding operation effect display data displayed in the effect displayable area 32a in accordance with the movement of the interlocking mechanism 52, and the game ball that has entered the opening / closing accessory 50C are linked to the linkage mechanism 52. In the movement of the interlocking mechanism 52, the state of discharge to the first discharge path 53 and the mode in which the other opening / closing accessory 50 </ b> D is linked and expanded in a linked manner when passing through one discharge path 53. In addition, right expansion operation effect display data to be displayed in the effect displayable area 32a is stored.

  Further, the VDP 212 receives, from the image data ROM 216, identification information image data indicating identification information, normal symbol image data indicating normal symbol 94, background image data, effect image data, in accordance with an image display command supplied from the sub CPU 206. Various image data such as left expansion operation effect display data and right expansion operation effect display data are read out, and image data to be displayed on the liquid crystal display device 32 is generated. Further, the VDP 212 superimposes the generated image data in order from the image data located at the rear, stores it in the buffer, and supplies it to the D / A converter 218 at a predetermined timing. The D / A converter 218 converts the image data as an image signal and supplies the image signal to the liquid crystal display device 32, thereby causing the liquid crystal display device 32 to display an image.

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

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

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

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

(Description of display screen)
Regarding the expanding operation of the opening / closing features 50A to 50D executed by the above-described configuration, the discharge state of the game ball to the first discharge path 53, which is a feature of the present invention, and the opening / closing features 50A to 50D are linked to each other. An example of an effect display execution screen that displays the mode of chain expansion in accordance with the movement of the interlocking mechanism 52 will be described with reference to FIG.

  When the game ball enters the general winning opening 5a provided with the opening / closing accessory 50A and passes through the first discharge path 53, the opening / closing accessory 50A is driven, and the opening / closing accessory The other opening / closing member 50B linked to 50A is expanded.

  Therefore, in this embodiment, when a game ball enters the general winning opening 5a provided with the opening / closing accessory 50A and passes through the first discharge path 53, as shown in FIG. An effect image in which fireworks are launched is displayed in the vicinity of the winning opening 5a and the general winning opening 5b. Thus, by displaying an effect image in which fireworks are launched in the vicinity of the general winning opening 5a, it is notified that the game ball has been discharged to the first discharge path 53, and fireworks are displayed in the vicinity of the general winning opening 5b. By displaying the effect image to be launched, the game ball is informed that the other opening / closing accessory 50B linked to the opening / closing accessory 50A has been expanded to the open state.

  Therefore, the player knows the discharge state of the game ball to the first discharge path 53 and the fact that the other opening / closing accessory 50B can be expanded in conjunction with the easily visible means such as the effect display. A sense of achievement can be amplified. In addition, it is possible to provide a sense of superiority to the player by notifying other players that the game state is advantageous.

  Note that even when the game ball enters the general winning opening 5c provided with the opening / closing accessory 50C and passes through the first discharge path 53, the game ball is generally provided with the opening / closing accessory 50A. In the same way as when entering the winning opening 5a and passing through the first discharge path 53, the opening / closing member 50C is expanded and another opening / closing member 50D linked to the opening / closing member 50A is operated. As shown in FIG. 8, an effect image in which fireworks are launched is displayed in the vicinity of the general winning opening 5c and the general winning opening 5d, and the same effect is obtained.

(Machine machine operation)
The processes executed in the pachinko gaming machine 10 are shown in FIGS. 9 to 11 and 13 to 19 below. The state transition of the variable display game control process (FIG. 11) executed by the pachinko gaming machine 10 will be described with reference to FIG.

(Main process)
First, as shown in FIG. 9, initial setting processing such as RAM access permission, backup restoration processing, and work area initialization is executed (step S11). Then, as will be described in detail later with reference to FIG. 11, a variable display game control process relating to the progress of the variable display game and the identification information displayed on the liquid crystal display device 32 is executed (step S15). As described above, in the main process, after the initial setting process in step S11 is completed, the process in step S15 is repeatedly executed.

(System timer interrupt processing)
Further, the main CPU 66 may interrupt the main process and execute the system timer interrupt process even when the main process is being executed. The following system timer interrupt processing is executed in response to clock pulses generated from the reset clock pulse generation circuit 59 every predetermined period (for example, 2 milliseconds). This system timer interrupt process will be described with reference to FIG.

  First, as shown in FIG. 10, the main CPU 66 executes a random number update process so that the count values of the jackpot determination random number counter, the jackpot symbol determination random number counter, and the like are incremented by “1” (step S42). Then, as will be described later in detail with reference to FIG. 14, an input detection process for detecting the winning or passing of game balls such as the starting port 6, the ball passing detection gate 55, and the general winning ports 5a to 5d is executed (step S43). . In this process, the main CPU 66 stores data indicating that the game ball is paid out as a prize ball in a predetermined area of the main RAM 70 on the condition that the game ball has won at various winning holes. A waiting time timer for synchronizing the main control circuit 60 and the sub control circuit 200, a big winning opening opening time timer for measuring the opening time of the big winning opening 8 that is opened when a big hit occurs, Various timer update processes are executed (step S44). Then, an output process is executed in order to supply a signal for drive control based on various variables to a solenoid, a motor, or the like (step S46). If this process ends, the process moves to a step S47.

  In step S47, command output processing is executed. In this process, the main CPU 66 supplies various commands to the sub control circuit 200. Specifically, these various commands include a demo display command, a symbol designation command indicating the type of identification information derived and displayed in the left column, middle column, and right column, and a variation pattern indicating a variation display pattern of identification information. There are a designated command, a starting memory number designation command indicating the number of holdings of the variable display game, a probability variable jackpot command indicating that the variable display game is won, a normal jackpot command indicating that the variable display game is normally won. included. In particular, in the present embodiment, when a game ball that has entered the opening / closing tool 50A passes through the first discharge path 53, the discharge status to the first discharge path 53 and the other opening / closing tool 50B are displayed. A left expansion operation effect display command for effecting display of the mode of expansion in linkage with the movement of the interlocking mechanism 52, and a game ball that has entered the opening / closing accessory 50C are the first discharge path. When passing through 53, the state of discharge to the first discharge path 53 and the manner in which the other opening / closing accessory 50D is linked and expanded in an interlocking manner according to the movement of the interlocking mechanism 52 are displayed. The right expansion operation effect display command to be included is included. If this process ends, the process moves to a step S49.

  In the process of step S49, the main CPU 66 transmits a prize ball control command for causing the payout device 128 to pay out a prize ball according to the number of prize balls stored in the main RAM 70, etc. Perform payout processing. As a result of this process, when a game ball wins a variety of winning holes, a predetermined number of award balls set in advance are paid out from the payout device 128. When this process is finished, this subroutine is finished, the address is returned to the address before the occurrence of the interrupt, and the main process is executed.

(Variable display game control process)
The subroutine executed in step S15 in FIG. 9 will be described with reference to FIG. In FIG. 11, the numerical values shown at the sides of step S72 to step S80 indicate the control state flags corresponding to those steps, and one step corresponding to the numerical value according to the numerical value of the control state flag. Is executed, and the variable display game proceeds.

  First, as shown in FIG. 11, a process for loading a control state flag is executed (step S71). In this process, the main CPU 66 reads the control state flag. If this process ends, the process moves to a step S72.

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

  In step S72, a special symbol memory check process is executed. Although details will be described later with reference to FIG. 13, the main CPU 66 checks the variable display game hold number when the control state flag is a value (00) indicating the special symbol memory check, and if there is a hold number. The jackpot determination, the derivation identification information displayed in a stopped state, the variation pattern of the identification information, and the like are determined. Further, the main CPU 66 sets a value (01) indicating special symbol variation time management in the control state flag, and sets the variation time corresponding to the variation pattern determined in the current process in the waiting time timer. That is, it is set so that the process of step S73 is executed after the fluctuation time corresponding to the fluctuation pattern determined this time has elapsed. Further, the start memory counter is updated so as to decrement “1”. Then, the main CPU 66 stores data indicating the start memory number designation command in a predetermined area of the main RAM 70. Data indicating the start memory number designation command set in this way is supplied as a start memory number designation command from the main CPU 66 of the main control circuit 60 to the sub CPU 206 of the sub control circuit 200 by the process of step S47 of FIG. . As will be described later, the sub CPU 206 of the sub control circuit 200 executes an effect and a notification regarding the start memory number in accordance with the received start memory number designation command. On the other hand, if there is no pending number, a demo screen is displayed. If this process ends, the process moves to a step S73.

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

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

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

  In step S76, a waiting time management process before reopening the big winning opening is executed. In this process, the main CPU 66 has a value (06) indicating that the control status flag indicates the management of reopening waiting time for the big winning opening, and a value indicating that the winning opening is being opened when the time corresponding to the interval between rounds has elapsed. (04) is set in the control state flag. Moreover, the main CPU 66 sets the opening upper limit time (for example, 30 seconds) in the special winning opening opening time timer. That is, it is set to execute the process of step S77. Furthermore, the main CPU 66 clears the values of various counters related to the winning status in each round game including the big winning mouth winning counter and the out ball counter (at least the values of the big winning mouth winning counter and the out ball counter are set to “0”). Execute “Clear processing”. If this process ends, the process moves to a step S77.

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

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

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

  Further, based on the set of the value (08) indicating the end of the variable display game, the main CPU 66 relates to the gaming situation in the big hit gaming state including the big winning mouth opening number counter, the big winning mouth winning counter, and the out ball counter. The process of clearing the values of the various counters to be executed (at least the process of clearing the winning prize opening number counter to “1” and the other counters to “0”) is executed. If this process ends, the process moves to a step S80.

  In step S80, variable display game end processing is executed. In this process, the main CPU 66 updates the special symbol storage area in order to perform the next variable display when the control state flag is a value (08) indicating the end of the variable display game. The main CPU 66 sets a value (00) indicating a special symbol storage check. That is, it is set to execute the process of step S72. When this process is finished, this subroutine is finished.

  As described above, the variable display game is executed by setting the control state flag. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 12, the main CPU 66 sets the control status flag to “00”, “01”, “02”, when the jackpot determination result is out of order when the game is not in the jackpot gaming state. By setting “08” in order, the processing of step S72, step S73, step S74, and step S80 shown in FIG. 11 is executed at a predetermined timing. Further, when the main CPU 66 is not in the jackpot gaming state and the result of the jackpot determination is a jackpot, the main CPU 66 sets the control status flags in order of “00”, “01”, “02”, “03”, The processing of step S72, step S73, step S74, and step S75 shown in FIG. 11 is executed at a predetermined timing, and control to the big hit gaming state is executed. Furthermore, when the control to the big hit gaming state is executed, the main CPU 66 sets the control state flags in order of “04”, “05”, “06”, thereby performing step S77 shown in FIG. The processes of step S78 and step S76 are executed at a predetermined timing, and a round game is executed. When a round game is being executed and the end condition of the jackpot game state (the jackpot game end condition) is satisfied, “04”, “05”, “07”, “08” are set in this order. Thus, the processing from step S77 to step S80 shown in FIG. 11 is executed at a predetermined timing, and the jackpot gaming state is ended. It should be noted that in this round game end condition, there is no passing of a game ball to a specific area (so-called “punk”) until a predetermined time elapses, or the maximum number of round games (in this embodiment, The jackpot gaming state will be terminated on condition that (15 rounds) has been completed.

(Special symbol memory check process)
The subroutine executed in step S72 in FIG. 11 will be described with reference to FIG.

  First, as shown in FIG. 13, it is determined whether or not the control state flag is a value (00) indicating a special symbol storage check (step S101), and the control state flag is a value indicating a special symbol storage check. If it is determined that there is, the process proceeds to step S102. If it is not determined that the control state flag is a value indicating a special symbol storage check, this subroutine is terminated. Then, in step S102, it is determined whether or not the variable display game holding number is “0”. That is, in this process, the main CPU 66 reads the starting memory number (that is, “data indicating the holding number of the variable display game”) from the starting memory number counter, and determines whether or not the starting memory number is “0”. If it is determined that the starting memory number is “0”, the process proceeds to step S103. If it is not determined that the starting memory number is “0”, the process proceeds to step S104. .

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

  In step S110, a process of setting a variation time corresponding to the determined variation pattern in the waiting time timer is executed. In this process, the main CPU 66 calculates the fluctuation effect time based on the fluctuation pattern determined by the process of step S109 and the fluctuation effect time table indicating the fluctuation effect time of the fluctuation pattern, and uses the fluctuation effect time. The indicated value is stored in the waiting time timer. Then, a process of clearing the storage area used for the current variation display is executed (step S111). If this process ends, the process moves to a step S112.

  In step S112, the main CPU 66 updates the memory so as to decrease the starting memory number counter by “1”. Then, the main CPU 66 stores data indicating the start memory number designation command in a predetermined area of the main RAM 70. The data indicating the start memory number designation command stored in this way is supplied as the start memory number designation command from the main CPU 66 of the main control circuit 60 to the sub CPU 206 of the sub control circuit 200 by the process of step S47 of FIG. . As will be described in detail later, the sub CPU 206 of the sub control circuit 200 executes an effect according to the received start memory number designation command. When this process is finished, this subroutine is finished.

(Input detection processing)
The subroutine executed in step S43 in FIG. 10 will be described with reference to FIG.

  First, as shown in FIG. 14, the main CPU 66 executes prize ball related switch check processing (step S231). In this process, the main CPU 66 is supplied with predetermined detection signals from various sensors such as the V count sensor 102, the count sensor 104, the general winning ball sensor 106, and the starting winning ball sensor 116 which are switches related to the winning ball. Detect whether or not Then, the main CPU 66 that has performed the detection processing of these predetermined signals determines the number of prize balls according to the sensor that has supplied the signal, and stores it in the main RAM 70. If this process ends, the process moves to a step S232.

  In step S232, special symbol related switch input processing is executed. Although details will be described later with reference to FIG. 15, whether a predetermined signal is supplied from the V count sensor 102, the count sensor 104, the start winning ball sensor 116, and the out ball sensor 112 related to the identification information as a special symbol. To detect. The main CPU 66 that has performed the detection processing of these predetermined signals executes processing to be described later according to the sensor that supplied the signals. If this process ends, the process moves to a step S233.

  In step S233, normal symbol related switch input processing is executed. Although details will be described later with reference to FIG. 17, in this process, the main CPU 66 detects whether a predetermined signal is supplied from the passing ball sensor 114 related to the normal symbol. Receiving this signal, the main CPU 66 executes processing as described later (see FIG. 17). If this process ends, the process moves to a step S234.

In step S234, a first discharge path passing ball switch input process is executed. Although details will be described later with reference to FIG. 18, in this process, the main CPU 66 detects whether a predetermined signal is supplied from the left first discharge path passage ball sensor 113L or the right first discharge path passage ball sensor 113R. . Receiving these signals, the main CPU 66 executes processing (see FIG. 18) as will be described later. When this process is finished, this subroutine is finished.
(Special symbol related switch input processing)
The subroutine executed in step S232 in FIG. 14 will be described with reference to FIG.

  First, as shown in FIG. 15, it is determined whether there is a count switch input (step S261). In this process, when the main CPU 66 determines that there is a count switch input in response to a predetermined signal supplied from the count sensor 104, the main CPU 66 stores and updates the big prize winning prize counter to be incremented by "1". A count switch detection process is executed (step S262). On the other hand, when the main CPU 66 does not determine that there is a count switch input, the main CPU 66 shifts the processing to step S263.

  In step S263, it is determined whether there is a V count switch input. In this process, when the main CPU 66 determines that there is a V count switch input according to a predetermined signal supplied from the V count sensor 102, the main CPU 66 establishes a flag indicating that the specific area has been passed, A process at the time of detecting the V count switch is executed to store and update the winning opening opening number counter to be incremented by “1” (step S264).

  In this V count switch detection process, when the main CPU 66 determines that there is a V count switch input in accordance with a predetermined signal supplied from the V count sensor 102, the main winning prize winning counter is set to " A process of updating the memory so as to increase by 1 "is executed. On the other hand, if the main CPU 66 does not determine that there is a V count switch input, the process proceeds to step S265.

  In step S265, it is determined whether or not there is a start port switch input. In this process, the main CPU 66 receives the predetermined signal supplied from the start winning ball sensor 116 and determines whether or not there is a start port switch input. If the main CPU 66 determines that there is a start port switch input, it moves the process to step S266, and if it does not determine that there is a start port switch input, it moves the process to step S267.

  In step S266, a start port detection time process is executed. The main CPU 66 extracts the jackpot determination random number value and the jackpot symbol random number value when it is determined that the number of hold of the variable display game is smaller than “4”. The data is stored in a predetermined area of the RAM 70. The main CPU 66 performs a big hit emphasis execution lottery and sets various commands in a predetermined area of the main RAM 70. If this process ends, the process moves to a step S267.

  In step S267, it is determined whether or not there is an out ball switch input. In this process, when the main CPU 66 determines that there is an out sphere switch input in accordance with a predetermined signal supplied from the out sphere sensor 112, the main CPU 66 stores and updates the out sphere counter so as to increase it by "1". A process at the time of detecting the ball switch is executed (step S268).

  On the other hand, if the main CPU 66 does not determine that there is an out ball switch input, the main CPU 66 ends this subroutine.

(Process when starting port is detected)
The subroutine executed in step S266 in FIG. 15 will be described with reference to FIG.

  First, as shown in FIG. 16, the main CPU 66 determines whether or not the number of hold of the variable display game is “4” or more. That is, in this process, the main CPU 66 reads the starting memory number from the starting memory number counter and determines whether or not the starting memory number is “4” or more (step S501). In this process, when the main CPU 66 determines that the start memory number is “4” or more, the main CPU 66 ends the present subroutine. In other words, when the number of the variable display game held has reached the upper limit, the game ball has won the start opening 6, but this subroutine is terminated without storing the start storage information. On the other hand, if the main CPU 66 determines that the starting memory number is smaller than “4”, the main CPU 66 increments the starting memory number counter by “1” (step S502), and moves the process to step S503.

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

  In step S505, the main CPU 66 executes processing for comparing the extracted jackpot determination random number value with the jackpot determination value. Then, the main CPU 66 determines whether or not the jackpot determination random number value is the same as the jackpot determination value (step S506). The jackpot determination value includes a probability variation jackpot determination value indicating a probability jackpot and a normal jackpot determination value indicating a normal jackpot. In this process, the main CPU 66 determines that the jackpot determination random number value is the same as the probability variation jackpot determination value. If it is determined that there is, the process proceeds to step S507. In this process, if the main CPU 66 determines that the jackpot determination random number is the same as the normal jackpot determination value, the main CPU 66 shifts the process to step S508. In this process, if the main CPU 66 determines that the jackpot determination random number value is not the same as the probability variation jackpot determination value and the normal jackpot determination value, the process proceeds to step S509. Thus, the main CPU 66 that executes steps S505 and S506 is the specific start storage information that the result of variable display of the identification information is a combination of specific identification information, in the start storage information stored in step S504. It will be determined whether or not.

  In step S509, the main CPU 66 reads data indicating the starting memory number, and sets data indicating a starting memory number designation command based on the data in a predetermined area of the main RAM 70. Data indicating the start memory number designation command set in this way is supplied as a start memory number designation command from the main CPU 66 of the main control circuit 60 to the sub CPU 206 of the sub control circuit 200 by the process of step S47 of FIG. . As will be described later, the sub CPU 206 of the sub control circuit 200 executes an effect and a notification regarding the start memory number in accordance with the received start memory number designation command. In addition, the starting memory number designation command includes data based on the jackpot determination random number value extracted in step S503 and the jackpot symbol random number value (for example, whether or not the random number value is shifted to the jackpot gaming state, identification information) Or the like, whether or not the result of the variable display is reached), and the sub-control circuit 200 (sub CPU 206) supplies the start memory number designation command from the main control circuit 60 to the sub-control circuit 200. For example, it is possible to recognize whether or not the random value is shifted to the jackpot gaming state, whether or not the result of variable display of the identification information is reach. When this process is finished, this subroutine is finished.

  In step S507, as in step S509, the main CPU 66 reads data indicating the start memory number, and sets data indicating a start memory number designation command based on the data in a predetermined area of the main RAM 70. As a result, as described later, in accordance with the received start memory number designation command, effects and notifications regarding the start memory number are executed. Further, the main CPU 66 sets data indicating a probability change jackpot command in a predetermined area of the main RAM 70. The data indicating the probability variation jackpot command set in this way is supplied as a probability variation jackpot command from the main CPU 66 of the main control circuit 60 to the sub CPU 206 of the sub control circuit 200 by the process of step S47 in FIG. As will be described later, the sub-CPU 206 of the sub-control circuit 200 determines whether or not the winning jackpot is won depending on whether or not the probability changing jackpot command is received, and if it is determined that the winning jackpot is won. Is to select the effect execution area determination table for probability variation big hit. When this process is finished, this subroutine is finished.

  In step S508, the main CPU 66 reads data indicating the starting memory number, and sets data indicating a starting memory number designation command based on the data in a predetermined area of the main RAM 70, as in steps S509 and S507. As a result, as described later, in accordance with the received start memory number designation command, effects and notifications regarding the start memory number are executed. The main CPU 66 sets data indicating a normal jackpot command in a predetermined area of the main RAM 70. The data indicating the normal jackpot command set in this way is supplied as a normal jackpot command from the main CPU 66 of the main control circuit 60 to the sub CPU 206 of the sub control circuit 200 by the process of step S47 in FIG. As will be described later, the sub CPU 206 of the sub-control circuit 200 determines whether or not the normal jackpot is won based on whether or not the normal jackpot command is received, and if it is determined that the normal jackpot is won. Is to select the effect execution area determination table for normal jackpot. When this process is finished, this subroutine is finished.

(Normal symbol related switch input processing)
The subroutine executed in step S233 in FIG. 14 will be described with reference to FIG.

  First, as shown in FIG. 17, it is determined whether or not there is a ball passage switch input (step S281). In this process, when the main CPU 66 determines that there is a ball passing switch input in accordance with a predetermined signal supplied from the passing ball sensor 114, the main CPU 66 executes a ball passing detection process (step S282).

  In this ball passage detection process, the main CPU 66 increases the ball passage storage number counter by “1” up to a predetermined upper limit number (for example, “4”) as in the case of the start port detection process shown in FIG. A process for updating the memory is executed. Then, an internal lottery process for determining whether or not the normal symbol game is “winning” is performed, data indicating the lottery result (for example, whether or not “winning”, the result of variable display of the normal symbol 94, etc.) and The data indicating the ball passing memory number designation command including the data indicating the ball passing memory number is set in a predetermined area of the main RAM 70. The data indicating the ball passing memory number designation command set in this way is supplied as a ball passing memory number designation command from the main CPU 66 of the main control circuit 60 to the sub CPU 206 of the sub control circuit 200 by the process of step S47 in FIG. Is done. The sub CPU 206 of the sub-control circuit 200 executes effects and notifications regarding the ball passing memory number in accordance with the received ball passing memory number designation command. When this process is finished, this subroutine is finished.

(General winning ball switch input process)
The subroutine executed in step S234 in FIG. 14 will be described with reference to FIG.

  First, as shown in FIG. 18, it is determined whether or not there is a left first discharge path passing ball switch input (step S291). In this process, when the main CPU 66 determines that there is a left first discharge path passage ball switch input in accordance with a predetermined signal supplied from the left first discharge path passage ball sensor 113L, a left expansion operation effect display is performed. Data indicating a command is set in a predetermined area of the main RAM 70 (step S292).

  When this processing is completed, and in step S291, if the main CPU 66 does not determine that there is a left first discharge path passage ball switch input, whether or not there is a right first discharge path passage ball switch input. Is determined (step S293). In this process, when the main CPU 66 determines that there is a right first discharge path passage ball switch input in accordance with a predetermined signal supplied from the right first discharge path passage ball sensor 113R, the main CPU 66 Data indicating the opening operation effect display command is set in a predetermined area of the main RAM 70 (step S294).

  When this process is completed, and when the main CPU 66 does not determine that there is a right first discharge path passing ball switch input in step S293, this subroutine is terminated.

  The data indicating the left widening operation effect display command and the right widening operation effect display command set in the first discharge path passing ball switch input process described above is obtained by the main control circuit 60 by the process of step S47 in FIG. The main CPU 66 supplies the sub CPU 206 of the sub control circuit 200 as a left widening operation effect display command and a right widening operation effect display command. The sub CPU 206 of the sub control circuit 200, as will be described later, in response to the received left expansion operation effect display command and right expansion operation effect display command, the game ball to the first discharge path, which is a feature of the present invention. The effect and notification of highlighting the discharge state and the opening / closing action of the opening / closing accessory are executed.

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

(Command reception processing)
First, as shown in FIG. 19, it is determined whether a start memory number designation command has been received (step S341). In this process, if the sub CPU 206 determines that it has received the start memory number designation command from the main control circuit 60, it moves the process to step S342. On the other hand, if the sub CPU 206 determines that it has not received the start memory number designation command from the main control circuit 60, it moves the process to step S343.

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

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

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

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

  In step S346, the sub CPU 206 determines whether or not a left expansion operation effect display command has been received. In this process, if the sub CPU 206 determines that the left expansion operation effect display command has been received, the process proceeds to step S347.

  On the other hand, if the sub CPU 206 does not determine that the left expansion operation effect display command has been received, the sub CPU 206 advances the process to step S348.

  In step S347, the sub CPU 206 sets left expansion operation effect display data in a predetermined area of the work RAM 210. When this process is finished, this subroutine is finished.

  In step S348, the sub CPU 206 determines whether or not a right expansion operation effect display command has been received. In this process, if the sub CPU 206 determines that a right expansion operation effect display command has been received, the process proceeds to step S349.

  On the other hand, if the sub CPU 206 does not determine that it has received the right widening operation effect display command, it moves the process to step S350.

  In step S349, the sub CPU 206 sets the right expansion operation effect display data in a predetermined area of the work RAM 210. When this process is finished, this subroutine is finished.

  In step S350, the sub CPU 206 executes control corresponding to other received commands (for example, probability variation jackpot commands). When this process is finished, this subroutine is finished.

  The embodiment of the present invention has been described above, but only a specific example is illustrated here, and the present invention is not particularly limited. That is, the present invention mainly enables the game ball that has been launched to flow down from the upper side to the lower side, and a transparent game board 14 that is partly or entirely formed of a transparent member and that can be seen through the back. Display means disposed on the back side of the transparent gaming board 14 so as to be visually recognized through the gaming board 14 and forming an effect displayable area 32a on almost the entire surface of the transparent gaming board 14, and provided on the transparent gaming board 14 And a plurality of opening / closing members 50A to 50D that are movable between a closed state in which a game ball is difficult to enter and an open state in which a game ball is easy to enter, and a predetermined opening / closing member among the plurality of opening / closing members 50A to 50D And an interlocking mechanism arranged so that the other opening / closing members 50C, 50D are expanded in a chain by mechanically interlocking with the game balls entering the objects 50A, 50B, and the opening / closing member 50A , 50B, you can play the game balls A discharge path is provided for discharging to the lower side of the machine. The discharge path includes a first discharge path 53 that links the other opening / closing members 50C and 50D, and a second discharge path that does not link the other opening / closing members. The transparent game board 14, the display means for forming the effect displayable area 32 a on the transparent game board 14, and the interlocking mechanism in which a plurality of opening / closing accessories 50 </ b> A to 50 </ b> D are connected to each other. The specific configuration of the expansion operation effect display control means for effect display on the display means in accordance with the movement of the interlocking mechanism can be appropriately changed in design.

  The effects described in the embodiments of the present invention are only the most preferable effects resulting from the present invention, and the effects of the present invention are limited to those described in the embodiments of the present invention. not.

1 is a perspective view showing an overview of a pachinko gaming machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. 1 is an exploded perspective view of a pachinko gaming machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. 1 is a front view showing an overview of a pachinko gaming machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. It is a figure which shows the opening / closing accessory in the pachinko game machine which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is explanatory drawing which shows the operation principle of the opening / closing accessory in the pachinko game machine which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is explanatory drawing which shows the interlocking | linkage principle of the interlocking mechanism in the pachinko game machine which concerns on embodiment of this invention. 1 is a block diagram showing a main control circuit and a sub control circuit of a pachinko gaming machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. It is explanatory drawing which shows the display screen displayed in the pachinko game machine which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the control processing performed in the pachinko game machine which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the control processing performed in the pachinko game machine which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the control processing performed in the pachinko game machine which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the control processing performed in the pachinko game machine which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the control processing performed in the pachinko game machine which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the control processing performed in the pachinko game machine which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the control processing performed in the pachinko game machine which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the control processing performed in the pachinko game machine which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the control processing performed in the pachinko game machine which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the control processing performed in the pachinko game machine which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the control processing performed in the pachinko game machine which concerns on embodiment of this invention.

Explanation of symbols

5a to 5d General winning opening 6 Start opening 8 Large winning opening 10 Pachinko machine (game machine)
14 Transparent game board 15 Game area 32 Liquid crystal display device (display means)
32a Effect displayable area 34 Variable display game display area 50A to 50D Opening / closing member 52 Interlocking mechanism 53 First discharge path 54 Second discharge path 60 Main control circuit 66 Main CPU
70 Main RAM
200 Sub control circuit 206 Sub CPU

Claims (2)

A transparent game board that allows the launched game ball to flow down from the upper side to the lower side, part or all of which is formed of a transparent member, and the back can be seen through,
Display means disposed on the back side of the transparent gaming board so as to be visually recognized through the transparent gaming board, and forming an effect displayable area on substantially the entire surface of the transparent gaming board;
A plurality of opening and closing objects provided on the transparent game board and movable between a closed state in which game balls are difficult to enter and an open state in which game balls are easy to enter;
An interlocking mechanism disposed so as to mechanically interlock with another opening / closing member in a chained manner by a game ball that has entered a predetermined opening / closing member out of the plurality of opening / closing members. ,
In the opening / closing accessory, a discharge path for discharging the entered game ball to the lower side of the gaming machine is provided, and the discharge path includes a first discharge path for interlocking the other opening / closing combination and the other A gaming machine characterized in that it branches off to a second discharge path that does not interlock the opening and closing member.   Expansion operation effect display control for effecting display on the display means in accordance with the movement of the interlocking mechanism, the state of discharge to the first discharge path and the mode in which the opening and closing accessory is linked and expanded in conjunction with each other The gaming machine according to claim 1, further comprising means.

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