JP2006042834A - Game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a game machine which makes the players gain the further enjoyment even after the pachinko balls enter the starter slot on the game board so as to be kept from being bored. <P>SOLUTION: A variable display game is carried out by simultaneously varying the left and right identifying information led by the entry of the pachinko balls into the common game ball discharge path into which flow the pachinko balls from the left and right starter slots. How the game is advancing is displayed on a liquid crystal display device. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2006,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to a gaming machine, and more specifically, a gaming board that guides a discharged gaming ball from the upper side to the lower side, and identification information triggered by entering a specific winning opening provided on the gaming board. The present invention relates to a ball game machine including variable display game execution means that can be changed and the game state can be changed according to a stop display.

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

  A pachinko machine launches a game ball on a game board provided with obstacle nails and windmills that change the flow direction of the game ball, and also a winning opening, and enters the winning opening. The game is played for the purpose of acquiring more prize balls to be paid out.

  In such a pachinko gaming machine, among the winning holes, an internal lottery is performed to determine whether or not to win a ball (winning) to a specific winning port called a starting port, and the display area of the liquid crystal display device is selected according to the lottery result Among them, there is provided a variable display game executing means for variably displaying identification information consisting of a set of symbols, etc., and changing the gaming state according to the stop display, and the identification information is in a predetermined prize mode. When the stop display is made, a jackpot gaming state in which there is a high possibility that the player can acquire a lot of prize balls in a short time is started.

Here, as the display means for displaying the identification information, a liquid crystal display device or the like having a predetermined size is arranged on the same plane as the game field in the game board where the game balls flow down. In a pachinko gaming machine that performs a display game, the variable display game is advanced only in one place (see, for example, Patent Document 1).
JP 2001-137437 A

  However, in the pachinko gaming machine disclosed in Patent Document 1, when a game ball enters the start port, since only one variable display game is always started, there is no change in the game. The person was easy to feel monotonously.

  An object of the present invention is to provide a gaming machine that solves this problem and does not cause dissatisfaction with the player.

  In the first aspect of the present invention, the game board that guides the discharged game ball from the upper side to the lower side, the first identification information and the second identification information are changed, and the game state is changed according to the change result. Variable display game execution means that can be changed, display means that displays the first identification information in a first display area, the second identification information in a second display area, and variable display and stop display, A plurality of specific winning ports (first starting port and second starting port) arranged on the gaming board, and provided for discharging game balls that have entered each of the specific winning ports; The game balls branched to an individual game ball discharge path that is connected to only one specific winning opening and a common game ball discharge path that is connected to one specific winning opening and another specific winning opening, disposed on the back side of A game machine comprising: a discharge path, provided in each of the game ball discharge paths; A game ball detecting means for detecting passage, and when the game ball detecting means detects a game ball passing through the common game ball discharge path, the first identification information and the second identification information are displayed in a variable manner. The game machine is characterized by comprising display control means for performing control.

  The present invention according to claim 2 further comprising a game ball distributing means for distributing the game ball that has entered the specific winning opening to either the individual game ball discharge path or the common game ball discharge path. The gaming machine according to claim 1 is characterized.

  According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided the gaming machine according to the first or second aspect, wherein the gaming board is a transparent gaming board made of a light transmissive material.

  In this invention of Claim 4, the said game ball discharge path is a transparent game ball discharge path formed of the light-transmitting material, The said display means is the said transparent game board and the said transparent game ball discharge path. The gaming machine according to claim 3, wherein the gaming machine is arranged behind.

  According to the present invention, the game board, variable display game executing means for changing the first identification information and the second identification information, the first identification information and the second identification information are displayed in a variable manner and stopped. A display means, a plurality of game ball discharge paths, and a game ball detection means; and when detecting that a game ball has passed through the common game ball discharge path, the first identification information and the second Unlike the conventional gaming machine in which one variable display game is played, two variable display games can be played at the same time. It is possible to overcome the monotonousness of the variable display game and to have a great impact on the player.

  The gaming machine according to the present embodiment fluctuates the game board that guides the launched game ball from the upper side to the lower side, the first identification information and the second identification information, and the gaming state according to the fluctuation result Variable display game execution means that can be changed, first identification information in the first display area, second identification information in the second display area, display means for variable display and stop display, and game board A plurality of specific winning holes (first starting port and second starting port) arranged above and provided for discharging game balls that have entered each specific winning port, and are arranged on the back side of the game board. A game ball discharge path branched into an individual game ball discharge path connected to only one specific winning opening and a common game ball discharge path connected to one specific winning opening and another specific winning opening; A game ball detector that is provided in each game ball discharge path and detects the passage of the game ball. And a display control means for performing control to change and display the first identification information and the second identification information when the game ball detection means detects a game ball passing through a common game ball discharge path. It is characterized by that.

  That is, in this gaming machine, the game board, variable display game execution means for changing the first identification information and the second identification information, and the variable display and stop display of the first identification information and the second identification information are displayed. Display means, and a game ball discharge path disposed on the back side of the game board, and an individual game ball discharge path that is connected to only one specific winning opening, one specific winning opening, and another specific winning opening, A game ball discharge path branched to a connected common game ball discharge path, and further, game ball detection means for detecting the passage of the game ball is provided in each game ball discharge path, and the game ball detection means When a game ball passing through the common game ball discharge path is detected, a display control means for performing control to display the first identification information and the second identification information in a variable manner is provided. Giving players special benefits when crossing the road Accordingly, it is possible to provide a game of the flow down aspect of the game ball after ball entrance to a particular winning hole.

  By the way, in this embodiment, the variable display game execution means and the display control means include hardware including a main CPU, a main RAM, and a main ROM, and a program executed by the main CPU written in advance in the main ROM. The variable display game execution means further includes hardware including a sub CPU, a program ROM, and a work RAM, and a program executed by the sub CPU pre-written in the program ROM. The specific contents will be described later.

  In this embodiment, the display means includes a liquid crystal display device and a display control circuit for performing display control in the liquid crystal display device, the specific contents of which will be described later.

  In the gaming machine according to the present embodiment, the variable display game execution means is not limited to the one that displays two pieces of identification information in a variable manner, and may display three or more pieces of identification information in a variable manner. May control not only the variable display of two pieces of identification information but also the variable display of three or more pieces of identification information.

  In the above-mentioned gaming machine, it may be provided with a game ball distribution means for distributing the game balls to either individual game ball discharge paths or common game ball discharge paths. By using such distribution means, Rather than letting the free fall movement flow into the common game ball discharge path, the game ball sorting means gives a deliberate constraint condition to the branching mode to each branched game ball discharge path and changes it. You can make it even more surprising and interesting.

  For example, if it is made difficult for game balls to pass through a common game ball discharge path where a large profit can be obtained by passing game balls by means of game ball distribution means, the thrill of the game will increase further, and game ball discharge will increase. If the player is interested in the movement of the game ball in the road and knows that the game ball has passed through the common game ball discharge path, the player will find great excitement and joy.

  Further, the game board may be a transparent game board made of a light-transmitting material. If such a transparent game board is used, the back of the game board is visually recognized when using an opaque game board. In contrast, it is possible to view the game ball discharge path disposed on the back side of the transparent game board over a wide range. For example, a liquid crystal display device is provided behind the transparent game board. The first identification information and the second identification information can be variably displayed and stopped in a wide area, and the interest of the game is further increased.

  Furthermore, in addition to the transparent game board, if the game ball discharge path is a transparent game ball discharge path formed of a light-transmitting material, the game balls in the game ball discharge path are used when an opaque game ball discharge path is used. While the flow cannot be visually recognized, the player can naturally look over the flow of the game balls flowing down the game ball discharge path without any difficulty, and the game balls pass through the common game ball discharge path. Since it can be easily seen, it is possible to obtain an unprecedented great excitement. Moreover, when the display means is arranged behind such a transparent game board and the transparent game ball discharge path, not only the flow mode of the game ball but also the liquid crystal display device that performs the change display and stop display of the identification information is transparent. The first identification information and the second identification information, which are visible through the game board and the transparent game ball discharge path and are displayed in a wide area, have an even greater impact on the player.

  Hereinafter, embodiments will be described in detail.

(Configuration of pachinko machines)
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the pachinko gaming machine according to the present embodiment, FIG. 2 is a front view of the pachinko gaming machine, and FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a game ball discharge path of the gaming ball in the pachinko gaming machine. FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a control circuit of the pachinko gaming machine.

  As shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, the pachinko gaming machine 10 includes an outer frame 11 for fixing the pachinko gaming machine 10 to a gaming machine installation base (game island) (not shown) provided in the game hall, A main body frame 12 disposed in the frame 11, a transparent game board 14 and other various parts (not shown) that are detachably attached to the main body frame 12, and one side pivoted to the main body frame 12 so as to be opened and closed. As a display means 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 that it can be seen through the transparent game board 14. A liquid crystal display device 32 (see FIG. 4) is provided.

  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 provided over substantially the entire 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. In addition, you may arrange | position so that it may overlap with the front area | region of the transparent game board 14 which does not correspond to this game area | region 15, ie, all or a part of game area outer area.

  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. In this embodiment, at least on the transparent game board 14. A displayable area including the entire game area 15 is formed.

  In the displayable area, an effect image and a background image related to the game are displayed, and a right variable display area 32aR and a left variable display area 32aL are formed. In the right variable display area 32aR, a variable display game is played using right identification information, and in the left variable display area 32aL, a variable display game is played using left identification information. In this displayable area, a normal symbol 94R and a normal symbol 94L in a normal symbol game described later can also be displayed.

  A speaker 46R and a speaker 46L are attached to the upper part of the main body frame 12, and a launching 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. .

  In addition, on the back side of the firing handle 26, a launching device 130 (see FIG. 4) having a bullet device made of a solenoid or the like is provided, and the firing handle 26 is gripped by the player and rotated clockwise. When operated, electric power is supplied to the launching device 130 according to the rotation angle, and the game balls are sequentially fired onto the transparent game board 14.

  A tray unit 21 is attached to the lower part of the front surface of the main body frame 12. An upper plate 20 and a lower plate 22 are formed on the tray unit 21, and are arranged to be positioned below the front frame 16. Yes. 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 132 denotes various lamps used for effect display and notification.

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

  Further, a plurality of obstacle nails 13 are driven on the transparent game board 14 and a windmill 4 is arranged so that 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. Note that only one obstacle nail 13 is shown in FIG. 2, and the other obstacle nails 13 that are appropriately arranged on substantially the entire surface of the transparent game board 14 are omitted.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 2, a right game ball guiding member 3R and a left game ball guiding member 3L that greatly change the flow direction of the game ball are arranged at a substantially central position of the transparent game board 14 (game area 15). It is installed. In the present embodiment, as shown, the lower portions of the right game ball guiding member 3R and the left game ball guiding member 3L are a right variable display region 32aR and a left variable display region 32aL, respectively.

  Here, the term of the right variable display area 32aR includes both an area where the variable display is performed with the right identification information (variable display area) and an area where the stop (derived) display is performed with the right identification information (stop display area). This term is used, and the same applies to the left variable display region 32aL. In the present embodiment, both the variable display area and the stop display area for the right identification information are positioned in the right variable display area 32aR, which is the same position shown in FIG. In addition, both the variable display area and the stop display area for the left identification information are positioned in the left variable display area 32aL, which is the same position.

  In addition, the transparent game board 14 is executed when a plurality of general winning holes 5 which are awarded when a game ball enters, a right starting port 6R as a specific winning port, a left starting port 6L and a variable display game are won. In the jackpot game, a big winning opening 8 that can be opened for a predetermined time is arranged, and game balls that have not entered any of the general winning opening 5, the right starting opening 6R, the left starting opening 6L, and the big winning opening 8 An out port 7 is provided to be discharged out of the game area.

  The big winning opening 8 is provided with a shutter 40 that can be freely opened and closed. In the big hit game, the shutter 40 is in an open state in which a game ball can be easily received. Also, in this special winning opening 8, there is a specific area (not shown) called a V zone having a V count sensor 102 (see FIG. 4) and a general area (see FIG. 4) having a count sensor 104 (see FIG. 4). The shutter 40 is driven to open until a predetermined number (for example, 10) of game balls pass through these areas or until a predetermined time (for example, 30 seconds) elapses. .

  In other words, when either of the conditions for winning a predetermined number of game balls at the grand prize winning opening 8 or elapse of a predetermined time is satisfied in the open state, the big winning opening 8 is put into a closed state in which it is difficult to accept the game balls. Subsequently, the shutter 40, which has been changed from the open state to the closed state, is driven to the open state again on condition that the game ball received in the special winning opening 8 in the open state has passed through the V count sensor 102. In other words, on the condition that the game ball received when the grand prize winning opening 8 is in the open state passes through the V zone provided in the big winning prize opening 8, it is again opened (round game) State) and the game can be continued.

  In addition, after a game ball enters the right start port 6R or the left start port 6L provided above the grand prize winning port 8, a predetermined game ball discharge path (hereinafter referred to as a specific game ball discharge path) will be described. In particular, in this embodiment, the game ball has passed through the common game ball discharge path, triggered by the detection of the passage of the game ball by the sensor (game ball detecting means) arranged in the system (used as necessary). When this is detected, the display control means performs control to display the variable display in the right variable display area 32aR and the left variable display area 32aL. The display control means will be described later. In addition, when the sensors arranged in the individual game ball discharge paths detect the passage of the game ball, the variable display is performed in either the right variable display area 32aR or the left variable display area 32aL.

  Similarly, the stop display is performed in both the right variable display area 32aR and the left variable display area 32aL, or in either the right variable display area 32aR or the left variable display area 32aL. Here, 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 identification information is gathered is displayed on the right-side variable display of a predetermined size. Although the area 32aR and the left variable display area 32aL are displayed in three horizontal rows, the arrangement of the symbols and the three horizontal rows of the identification information is not limited to this.

  In addition, when the variable display game start condition occurs, if the variable display game is being executed, the variable display game can be held on condition that the upper limit hold number has not been reached. That is, when the game ball passes the game ball discharge path that triggers the start of the predetermined variable display game during the variable display of the identification information group in the variable display game, until the identification information group in the variable display is stopped and displayed, The execution (start) of the variable information identification display is suspended.

  When the identification information group is displayed in a variable state (variable display and stop display are collectively referred to as variable display) and the identification information of each identification information group is stopped, Execution of variable display of the identified identification information group is started. For example, when the identification information is stopped and displayed in a state where the execution of the variable display of the identification information group is held three times, one of the variable display of the identification information held is executed once, and the remaining The two doses will be held thereafter.

  Here, in the present embodiment, the holding number is counted as 1 for any variable display game of only the right side identification information, only the left side identification information, and both the right side identification information and the left side identification information.

  For example, 10 game balls are paid out as a winning ball for each winning ball when the player enters the general winning port 5 and the big winning port 8, and the right starting port 6R or the left starting port 6L. For example, 5 game balls are paid out as prize balls for each winning game.

  Also, a right passing ball detection gate 55R and a left passing ball detection gate 55L are provided. When the right passing ball detection gate 55R detects the passing of a game ball, the right normal symbol 94R is displayed at a predetermined position shown in FIG. When the left passing ball detection gate 55L detects the passing of the game ball, the left normal symbol 94L fluctuates at the predetermined position shown in FIG. 2, for example, the right normal symbol with a predetermined symbol such as a circle as shown in the figure. When either the symbol 94R or the left normal symbol 94L is stopped and displayed, the movable piece 58R and the movable piece 58R attached to the right start port 6R and the left start port 6L are moved by the normal electric accessory solenoid 118 (see FIG. 4). A piece 58L (a so-called electric tulip called a tulip) is driven in the opening direction from the closed state in the initial state, and a game ball is placed in the right start port 6R and the left start port 6L. It is as likely to enter, when a predetermined time elapses movable piece 58R and the movable piece 58L is closed gaming ball returns to the state hard to enter the right starting opening 6R and the left starting opening 6L again. In the present embodiment, such change display and stop display of the right normal symbol 94R and the left normal symbol 94L are referred to as a normal symbol game.

  Further, a game ball discharge path (see FIG. 3) is provided on the back surface of the transparent game board 14, and the game balls entering the right start port 6R and the left start port 6L pass through the game ball discharge path. The game balls that have been collected and entered the general winning opening 5 and the big winning opening 8 are collected through a winning path (not shown).

  The pachinko gaming machine 10 according to the present embodiment includes a transparent game board 14 and a transparent game board 14 and a liquid crystal display device 32 disposed so as to be visible to the player through the transparent game board 14 and the transparent game ball discharge path. Since almost all 14 areas are formed as displayable areas, a variety of performance displays according to the game can be displayed transparently while enjoying pachinko games aiming to win prize balls by launching game balls and winning. It is possible to display in almost every part of the board 14, and it is possible to entertain the player with a great effect and improve the interest.

  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. In the pachinko gaming machine 10 of this embodiment having such a configuration, the game area 15 can be secured sufficiently wide while the displayable area can be expanded and various effects can be executed.

  Furthermore, in such a configuration, the player can visually recognize the game ball flowing down in the transparent game ball discharge path from the surface side of the transparent game board 14, so that further enhancement of interest can be achieved. it can.

  As described above, if the transparent game board 14 is used, a wide area of the game board can be used as a playable surface allowing the game, but not only the transparent game board 14 but also the game ball discharge path can be visually recognized. Thus, an opening (not shown) may be provided in a conventional opaque game board so that the game ball in the game ball discharge path can be visually recognized from this opening. Can fully see and enjoy the movement of the game ball passing through the game ball discharge path.

  In addition, in order to achieve the purpose of making it possible to visually recognize the game ball inside the game ball discharge path, the game ball discharge path is formed not only by a transparent member but also by an opaque member so that the internal game ball can be visually recognized. The game ball may be provided with a small hole from which the game ball does not fall off. For example, the game ball may be formed in a cylindrical shape with a wire mesh.

  Further, similarly to the conventional case, the game board and the game ball discharge path may be formed of an opaque member, and the display surface of the small liquid crystal display device may be arranged on substantially the same surface as the surface side of the game board. . In such a configuration, the player cannot visually recognize the movement of the game ball passing through the game ball discharge path, and the area of the area where the two identification information is variably displayed is limited. However, when the game ball passes through the common game ball discharge path, it is possible to sufficiently enjoy the unprecedented great profit obtained by the variable display game progressing in the two variable display areas.

  By the game ball discharge path having such a configuration, the game ball flows down the surface of the game board 14 and enters the right start port 6R or the left start port 6L, and from the surface of the game board 14 to the back surface of the game board 14. And flow down through the game ball discharge path formed on the back side of the game board 14.

(Pachinko machine gaming ball discharge path)
The game ball discharge path will be described in more detail. The starter of the gaming machine according to the present embodiment has a right starter 6R and a left starter 6L, and the game balls that enter the respective starters are connected to the game ball discharge paths connected to the respective starters. After passing, they are finally merged and discharged from the same merged discharge path. This game ball discharge path branches into an individual game ball discharge path that branches in the middle of the game ball discharge path and is connected to only one start port, and a common game ball discharge path that is connected to one start port and other start ports. Therefore, the game balls that have entered the respective starting ports take the flow-down mode of passing through individual game ball discharge paths or passing through a common game ball discharge path.

  The game ball discharge path connected to the right start port 6R and the left start port 6L will be described with reference to FIG. The arrows in FIG. 3 indicate the flow direction of the game ball. The game ball discharge path includes a game ball discharge path common to individual game ball discharge paths, which will be described later, each of which includes a combination of game ball discharge path members. In the following description, the end surface of the game ball discharge path member on the side into which the game balls flow in is referred to as the inlet, and the end surface on the side from which the game balls flow out is referred to as the outlet. Exit terminology shall be used.

  First, the configuration of the game ball discharge path in the present embodiment will be described. The game ball discharge path includes a game ball discharge path member PR0, a game ball discharge path member PR1, a game ball discharge path member PR2, a game ball discharge path member PR3, a game ball discharge path member PR4, a game ball discharge path member PL0, and a game ball. Discharge path member PL1, game ball discharge path member PL2, game ball discharge path member PL3, game ball discharge path member PL4, game ball discharge path member PC1 and game ball discharge path member PC2, and game ball sorter KR1, game ball sort It consists of a unit KL1 and a game ball sorter KC2, a merger KC1 and a game ball merger KCALL, and a merge discharge path PALL.

  In the following, the above-described game ball discharge path member PR0 and the like are generically used as the term of the game ball discharge path member, the game ball sorter KR1 and the like are generically referred to as the term of the game ball sorter and the merging device KC1 and the like. Collective terminology is used generically as needed. The game ball discharge path includes individual game ball discharge paths, which will be described later, and a common game ball discharge path. The term game ball discharge path is used as a general term for these.

  Here, in the game ball discharge path, a game ball discharge path member PR0 and a game ball discharge path member PL0 are arranged at the entrance, and a merged discharge path PALL is arranged at the exit, and the above-described game ball discharge path is inside. The road member, the game ball sorter, and the merger are organically coupled.

  That is, the game ball discharge path member PR0 connected to the right start port 6R branches into three game ball discharge path member PR1, game ball discharge path member PR2, and game ball discharge path member PR3 via the game ball sorter KR1. .

  In addition, the game ball discharge path member PL0 connected to the left start port 6L has three game balls including a game ball discharge path member PL1, a game ball discharge path member PL2, and a game ball discharge path member PL3 via the game ball sorter KL1. Branches to the discharge channel member.

  Further, the game ball discharge path member PR1 and the game ball discharge path member PL1 merge with the game ball discharge path member PC1 via the merger KC1.

  Furthermore, the game ball discharge path member PR2, the game ball discharge path member PL2, and the game ball discharge path member PC1 are connected to the game ball discharge path member PR4, the game ball discharge path member PC2, and the game ball discharge path member via the game ball sorter KC2. Branches to three game ball discharge path members of PR4.

  Then, the game ball discharge path member PR4, the game ball discharge path member PC2, the game ball discharge path member PR4, the game ball discharge path member PR3, and the game ball discharge path member PL3 are connected to the merge discharge path PALL via the game ball confluencer KCALL. Join.

  Next, a passing path through which game balls flow down in the game ball discharge path of FIG. 3 will be described. Thus, the game ball discharge path having an organic structure has a plurality of passage paths (game ball discharge paths) between the entrance and the exit. For this reason, the game ball entered from the start port passes through one of the plurality of passage paths and reaches the merged discharge path PALL.

  Here, the passing path of the game balls formed by the game ball discharge path member PR0 and the game ball discharge path member PR3 (hereinafter referred to as the first individual game ball discharge path) is an individual connected only to the right start port 6R. The game ball discharge path of the game ball formed by the game ball discharge path member PL0 and the game ball discharge path member PL3 (hereinafter referred to as a second individual game ball discharge path) It is an individual game ball discharge path connected only to 6L.

  That is, in the individual game ball discharge path, only the game ball that has entered from either the right start port 6R or the left start port 6L flows down.

  On the other hand, a passing path of game balls (hereinafter referred to as a first common game ball discharge path) formed by the game ball discharge path member PR0, the game ball discharge path member PR1, the game ball discharge path member PC1, and the game ball discharge path member PL4. ), A game ball passage path formed by the game ball discharge path member PR0, the game ball discharge path member PR1, the game ball discharge path member PC1 and the game ball discharge path member PC2 (hereinafter referred to as a second common game ball). Game ball discharge path member PR0, game ball discharge path member PR1, game ball discharge path member PC1 and game ball discharge path member PR4 (hereinafter referred to as a third common path). Game ball discharge path), a game ball discharge path member PR0, a game ball discharge path member PR2, and a game ball discharge path member PL4 (hereinafter referred to as a fourth common game ball discharge path). Call A game ball passing path formed by the game ball discharge path member PR0, the game ball discharge path member PR2 and the game ball discharge path member PC2 (hereinafter referred to as a fifth common game ball discharge path), or a game ball discharge Any of the passage paths of the game balls (hereinafter referred to as the sixth common game ball discharge path) formed by the path member PR0, the game ball discharge path member PR2, and the game ball discharge path member PR4 is the right start port 6R ( It is a common game ball discharge path that is connected to the left start port 6L (the other start port).

  That is, a game ball that has entered from the right start port 6R (one start port) passing through the first common game ball discharge path or the sixth common game ball discharge path is left side start port 6L (other start It can flow down with the game ball entered from the mouth).

  Similarly, a passage path of game balls (hereinafter referred to as a seventh common game ball discharge) formed by the game ball discharge path member PL0, the game ball discharge path member PL1, the game ball discharge path member PC1 and the game ball discharge path member PL4. A game ball discharge path member PL0, a game ball discharge path member PL1, a game ball discharge path member PC1 and a game ball discharge path member PC2 (hereinafter referred to as an eighth common game). A ball discharge path member), a game ball discharge path member PL0, a game ball discharge path member PL1, a game ball discharge path member PC1, and a game ball discharge path member PR4 (hereinafter referred to as a ninth common path). Game ball discharge path), a game ball discharge path member PL0, a game ball discharge path member PL2, and a game ball discharge path member PL4 (hereinafter referred to as a tenth common game ball discharge path). Called A game ball discharge path member PL0, a game ball discharge path member PL2 and a game ball discharge path member PC2 (hereinafter referred to as an eleventh common game ball discharge path), or All of the passage paths of the game balls (hereinafter referred to as the twelfth common game ball discharge path) formed by the game ball discharge path member PL0, the game ball discharge path member PL2 and the game ball discharge path member PR4 are started on the left side. It is a common game ball discharge path connected to the mouth 6L (another start port) and further connected to the right start port 6R (one start port) somewhere in the passage route.

  That is, a game ball that has entered from the left start port 6L (another start port) passing through the seventh common game ball discharge path or the twelfth common game ball discharge path is the right start port 6R (one start It can flow down with the game ball entered from the mouth).

  Game ball distribution means is provided at the branch point in the above-described passage route. The game balls flowing down from the game ball discharge path member PR0 are distributed to any one of the game ball discharge path member PR1, the game ball discharge path member PR2, and the game ball discharge path member PR3 by the game ball sorter KR1. The game balls flowing down from PL1 are distributed to any one of the game ball discharge path member PL1, the game ball discharge path member PL2, or the game ball discharge path member PL3 by the game ball sorter KL1, and the game ball discharge path member PR2 and the game ball discharge A game ball flowing down from either the road member PL2 or the game ball discharge path member PC1 is sent to either the game ball discharge path member PR4, the game ball discharge path member PL4, or the game ball discharge path member PC2 by the game ball sorter KC2. It is designed to be distributed.

  The game ball sorter may be provided with a movable member, or may be provided with an obstruction (not shown) for changing the flow direction of the game ball. The game ball sorter will be described later.

  Further, a game ball merger is provided at a location where game balls in a plurality of passage paths merge, and the game ball flowing down from the game ball discharge path member PR1 or the game ball discharge path member PL1 is a game ball merger. The game ball discharge path member PC1 joins and flows down by KC1, and the game ball discharge path member PR4, the game ball discharge path member PC2, the game ball discharge path member PL4, the game ball discharge path member PR3, or the game ball discharge path The game balls flowing down from any one of the members PL3 join and flow down in the join discharge path PALL via the game ball joiner KCALL. The specific configuration of the game ball merger will be described later.

  The above-described game ball discharge path is merely an example, and the configuration of the game ball discharge path in the present invention is not limited to this. In this embodiment, a game ball sorter is provided at the branch point of the passage path of game balls. However, a game ball sorter is not necessarily provided. In other words, the passage route is divided into a plurality of passages (not shown) without going through the game ball sorter, and any of the passage routes branching into a plurality based on the contingency according to the passing speed of the gaming ball and the position of passage. A game ball can be allowed to flow down.

  In the present embodiment, each game ball discharge path member is provided with a game ball detecting means (sensor) for detecting the passage of the game ball. The sensors are arranged in the vicinity of the entrance (hereinafter abbreviated as “inlet”) and in the vicinity of the exit (hereinafter abbreviated as “exit”) of each game ball discharge path member. Is the game ball discharge path member inlet sensor, and the sensor arranged at the outlet is the term of game ball discharge path member outlet sensor, and the term of the game ball discharge path member sensor is used together.

  Further, the game ball discharge path member PR0 is provided with a right start port sensor SRSA, and the game ball discharge path member PL0 is provided with a left start port sensor SLSA. In the following description, the terminology of the start port sensor is used in combination with the right start port sensor SRSA and the left start port sensor SLSA as necessary.

  Furthermore, a confluence discharge path inlet sensor SALL is arranged at the inlet of the confluence discharge path PALL.

  That is, a game ball discharge path member inlet sensor SRS1i is disposed at the entrance of the game ball discharge path member PR1, and a game ball discharge path member outlet sensor SRS1o is disposed at the exit of the game ball discharge path member PR1. A game ball discharge path member inlet sensor SRS2i is arranged at the inlet of the member PR2, a game ball discharge path member outlet sensor SRS2o is arranged at the outlet of the game ball discharge path member PR2, and an entrance of the game ball discharge path member PR3 is provided. A game ball discharge path member inlet sensor SRS3i is disposed, a game ball discharge path member outlet sensor SRS3o is disposed at the exit of the game ball discharge path member PR3, and a game ball discharge path member inlet is disposed at the entrance of the game ball discharge path member PR4. A sensor SRS4i is disposed, a game ball discharge path member outlet sensor SRS4o is disposed at the exit of the game ball discharge path member PR4, and an entrance of the game ball discharge path member PL1. A game ball discharge path member inlet sensor SLS1i is disposed, a game ball discharge path member outlet sensor SLS1o is disposed at the outlet of the game ball discharge path member PL1, and a game ball discharge path member inlet is disposed at the inlet of the game ball discharge path member PL2. A sensor SLS2i is arranged, a game ball discharge path member outlet sensor SLS2o is arranged at the outlet of the game ball discharge path member PL2, and a game ball discharge path member inlet sensor SLS3i is arranged at the inlet of the game ball discharge path member PL3. A game ball discharge path member outlet sensor SLS3o is disposed at the exit of the game ball discharge path member PL3, and a game ball discharge path member inlet sensor SLS4i is disposed at the entrance of the game ball discharge path member PL4, thereby playing the game ball discharge path member PL4. A game ball discharge path member outlet sensor SCS4o is arranged at the outlet of the game ball, and a game ball discharge path member inlet sensor SCS1i is arranged at the inlet of the game ball discharge path member PC1. The game ball discharge path member outlet sensor SCS1o is disposed at the exit of the game ball discharge path member PC1, and the game ball discharge path member inlet sensor SCS2i is disposed at the entrance of the game ball discharge path member PC2. A game ball discharge path member outlet sensor SCS2o is disposed at the outlet of the PC2.

  In the following description, the term of the game ball discharge path sensor is used in combination with the start port sensor, each game ball discharge path member inlet sensor, and each game ball discharge path member outlet sensor as necessary. .

  Further, the above description has been made about the case where the game ball discharge path sensors are provided on all the game ball discharge path members. However, depending on the purpose of various processes performed by the gaming machine, the game ball discharge path may be used as the game ball discharge path sensor. Only one of the member inlet sensor and the game ball discharge path member outlet sensor may be used, and it is not necessary to provide a sensor for every game ball discharge path member.

  For example, in the present embodiment in which variable display of a variable display game is started in two areas triggered by the passing of a game ball through a common game ball discharge path, all the common game ball discharge paths are configured. Sensors are arranged only in the game ball discharge path member PL4, the game ball discharge path member PR4 and the game ball discharge path member PC2 which are game ball discharge path members, and these three sensors pass through all the common game ball discharge paths. The game balls to be detected can be detected without leaking and without being duplicated. Therefore, it is sufficient to arrange three sensors only for achieving this purpose.

  Furthermore, in this embodiment, when a game ball passes through an individual game ball discharge path, a variable display game is played in one area as in the conventional case, so that an individual game ball discharge path is configured. The game ball discharge path member PL3 and the game ball discharge path member PR3, which are game ball discharge path members, are also provided with sensors.

  Next, the game ball sorter KR1 will be specifically described with reference to FIG. 15 on behalf of a plurality of types of game ball sorters. FIG. 15 is a perspective view seen from the front side of the transparent game board 14. The game ball sorter may be formed of an opaque member, but in the present embodiment, the game ball sorter is formed of a light transmissive member, so that the player can pass through the game ball transparent game board through the game ball discharge path and the game ball discharge path. The movement of the game ball and the plate member BB (see FIG. 15) passing through can be visually recognized. Even when the game ball sorter is formed by a member provided with a small hole from which the game ball does not drop off, the movement of the game ball inside the game ball sorter can be visually recognized.

  The motor enclosure (stator) of the sorter motor KR1MO shown in FIG. 15 is fixed to the back side of the game board 14, and its movable part (rotor) rotates about a rotation shaft (not shown). Is fixed to the plate member BB directly or via a reduction gear and is connected to the rotary encoder EKR1. Therefore, the rotary encoder outputs a signal corresponding to the rotation angle of the plate member BB.

  Then, a drive current waveform corresponding to the output (rotation angle) from the rotary encoder EKR1 provided in the distributor motor KR1MO is generated by the main CPU 66 for each interrupt process, and the motor winding of the distributor motor KR1MO is passed through the drive circuit. Electric power is supplied to (not shown), and the plate member BB performs a predetermined rotational motion.

  Here, in the game ball sorter KR1 of the present embodiment, the plate member BB is arranged to guide the game ball from the game ball discharge path member PR0 to the game ball discharge path member PR1 or the game ball discharge path member PR2. The rotation of the sorter motor KR1MO is controlled so that the time for arranging the game balls from the game ball discharge path member PR0 to the game ball discharge path member PR3 is longer than the time. In this way, the game frequency is enhanced by setting the passing frequency of the game balls passing through the common game ball discharge path to be lower than the passing frequency of passing through the individual game ball discharge paths.

  Similarly, the sorter motor KL1MO is provided with a rotary encoder EKL1, and the sorter motor KC2MO is provided with a rotary encoder EKC2. The rotary encoder EKL1 and the rotary encoder EKC2 can detect the rotation angle of each plate member (not shown) coupled to the rotation shaft of each of the distributor motors. The rotation of the plate member is controlled by the main CPU 66.

  In the game ball sorter KL1, the plate member moves in the same manner as the plate member BB in the game ball sorter KR1, so that the game ball can be easily guided from the game ball discharge path member PL0 to the game ball discharge path member PL3. ing. On the other hand, in the game ball sorter KR1, the plate member rotates at a constant rotation speed, and the game balls of the game ball discharge path member PL4, the game ball discharge path member PC2, and the game ball discharge path member PR4 are evenly distributed. A game ball is guided to the discharge path member.

  In the game ball sorter KR1, the game ball flows down from above, is guided to the plate member BB, and flows down to any of the game ball discharge path member PR1, the game ball discharge path member PR2, and the game ball discharge path member PR3. In order to achieve this, the game ball discharge path member PR0 on the side where the game balls flow in is tilted upward from the horizontal position, and the game ball discharge path member PR1, the game ball discharge path member PR2 and the game balls on the side where the game balls flow out The discharge path member PR3 is inclined downward from the horizontal position, so that the game ball can flow down without any delay. A similar configuration is also adopted in the game ball sorter KL1 and the game ball sorter KC1.

  As a representative of the game ball merger, the game ball merger KC1 will be described with reference to FIG. In FIG. 16, the transparent game board 14 is disposed on the front side of the page, and constitutes a part of the game ball confluence device KC1. If such a closed space structure is adopted, the game balls that flowed in from the game ball discharge path member PR1 and the game ball discharge path member PL1 fall freely, and in the game ball discharge path member PC1 via the game ball merger KC1. Merge and flow down. The game ball confluencer KCALL has a similar structure. From the game ball discharge path member PR3, the game ball discharge path member PR4, the game ball discharge path member PC2, the game ball discharge path member PL4, and the game ball discharge path member PL3. The game balls that have flowed in freely fall and join and flow down in the merge discharge path PALL via the game ball merger KCALL.

  The right starting port sensor SRSA arranged on the game ball discharge path member PR0 will be described with reference to FIG. 15 as a representative of the game ball discharge path sensor which is a game ball detection means for detecting a game ball in the game ball discharge path. To do. A light emitting element (for example, LED) SRSAH that emits a light beam is disposed on the outer peripheral side surface (the surface on which the game ball does not flow down) of the game ball discharge path member PR0, and the outer peripheral side of the surface that opposes the light emitting element SRSAH. On the side surface, a light receiving element (for example, Photo Detector) SRSAJ is arranged.

  When the game ball passes between the light emitting element SRSAH and the light receiving element SRSAJ, the light beam from the light emitting element SRSAH is blocked and the output level of the electric signal at the light receiving element SRSAJ is lowered. Thus, it can be detected that the game ball has passed the game ball discharge path member PR0.

  In FIG. 15, the light emitting element SRSAH and the light receiving element SRSAJ constitute a right start port sensor SRSA, the light emitting element SRS1iH and the light receiving element SRS1iJ constitute a game ball discharge path member inlet sensor SRS1i, and the light emitting element SRS2iH and the light receiving element SRS2iJ are gaming. The ball discharge path member inlet sensor SRS2i is constituted, and the light emitting element SRS3iH and the light receiving element SRS3iJ constitute a game ball discharge path member inlet sensor SRS3i, and the other game ball discharge path sensors are also discharged by the light emitting element and the light receiving element. The road sensor is configured.

  The input from the game ball discharge path member sensor having such a configuration is read by the interrupt processing of the main CPU 66 (see step S43 in FIG. 6).

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

  As shown in the figure, a main control circuit 60 as game control means includes a main CPU 66, a main ROM (read only memory) 68, and a main RAM (read / write memory) 70. In the present embodiment, the main control circuit 60 constitutes a part of variable display game execution means, and also constitutes display control means.

  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.

  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 number lottery. Is remembered. In the present embodiment, the main ROM 68 stores a processing program for a variable display game and a processing program for display control processing, and constitutes a part of execution means and display control means.

  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. In the present embodiment, the main CPU 66, the main ROM 68, and the main RAM 70 are provided separately, but a one-chip microcomputer in which these are integrated may be used.

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

  In the main RAM 70, in addition to data having an input from the game ball discharge path sensor (detection of passing of the game ball), which is particularly important data in the present embodiment, an extended jackpot determination random number value, variable display There is an area for storing the number of held games, a variation pattern designation command, a derived symbol designation command, and the like.

  Here, the data regarding whether or not there is an input from the game ball discharge path sensor indicates whether or not the game ball has passed through the corresponding game ball discharge path.

  The change pattern designation command specifies how the identification information is changed. Specifically, the variation pattern designation command includes data indicating what variation display is performed at what position in the displayable region, and the right variable display region (right variation display region) 32aR. In the area, the right identification information is changed, or the left variable display area (left variable display area) 32aL is changed in the left identification information, or the right variable display area 32aR and the left variable display area 32aL are changed, It specifies whether the right side identification information and the left side identification information are changed, and how to change the display in a manner.

  The extended jackpot determination random number value includes information on which game ball discharge path sensor has triggered the extraction of the random number value in addition to the jackpot determination random number value. It functions as a FIFO (First In First Out) type shift register, holds the random number value for extended jackpot determination as many as the number of pending, and is repacked in order from the first address when that data is used Yes.

  In addition, the data indicating the number of holdings in the variable display game holds the variable display when the game ball passes through a predetermined game ball discharge path that triggers the start of the variable display, but the variable display of the identification information cannot be executed. In this case, the number of changes in the pending identification information is indicated.

  Furthermore, the derived symbol designation command specifies what symbols are to be stopped (derived) and displayed. Specifically, the derived symbol designation command includes data indicating what kind of stop (derived) display is performed at what position in the displayable area, and includes a right variable display area (right stop display). Area) The right identification information is stopped (derived) displayed in the area 32aR, or the left identification information is stopped (derived) displayed in the left variable display area (left stop display area) 32aL, or the right variable display area In the area 32aR and the left variable display area 32aL, the right identification information and the left identification information are stopped (derived), and further, what symbols are stopped (derived) are specified.

  The main RAM 70 for storing such extended jackpot determination random numbers, the number of reserves in the variable display game, the variation pattern designation command, the derived symbol designation command, etc. constitutes a part of the variable display game execution means and the display control means.

  In addition, the main RAM has a control status flag, a specific area passing flag, a special winning opening release count counter, a special winning entry winning counter, a waiting time timer, a special winning opening release time timer, data indicating the number of holds in a normal symbol game, etc. Exists.

  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 big prize opening time timer is for measuring the time for driving the shutter 40 and opening the big prize opening 8, and the waiting time timer is executed in the main control circuit 60 and the sub control circuit 200. This is for synchronizing the processing to be performed. 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 has a hardware timer. May be.

  The big prize opening number counter indicates the number of times the big prize opening 8 is opened in the big hit gaming state, that is, the number of round games. The grand prize winning prize counter indicates the number of game balls that have won the big prize winning opening 8 and passed the V count sensor 102 or the count sensor 104 while the special prize opening is open. Furthermore, the data indicating the number of reserved games in the normal symbol game is displayed when the game ball passes through the right passing ball detection gate 55R and the left passing ball detection gate 55L, but the normal symbol variation display cannot be executed. Although it holds, it shows the number of fluctuations of the normal symbol that is held.

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

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

  Also, various devices are connected to the main control circuit 60. For example, as shown in FIG. 4, a V count sensor 102, a count sensor 104, a general winning port sensor 106, a big winning port sensor 107, a passing ball. Sensor 114L, passing ball sensor 114R, right start port sensor SRSA and left start port sensor SLSA, game ball discharge path member inlet sensor SRS1i, game ball discharge path member outlet sensor SRS1o, game ball discharge path member inlet sensor SRS2i, game ball Discharge path member outlet sensor SRS2o, game ball discharge path member inlet sensor SRS3i, game ball discharge path member outlet sensor SRS3o, game ball discharge path member inlet sensor SRS4i, game ball discharge path member outlet sensor SRS4o, game ball discharge path member inlet sensor SLS1i, game ball discharge path member outlet sensor SLS1o, game ball discharge path section Entrance sensor SLS2i, game ball discharge path member outlet sensor SLS2o, game ball discharge path member inlet sensor SLS3i, game ball discharge path member outlet sensor SLS3o, game ball discharge path member inlet sensor SLS4i, game ball discharge path member outlet sensor SLS4o, game Ball discharge path member inlet sensor SCS1i, game ball discharge path member outlet sensor SCS1o, game ball discharge path member inlet sensor SCS2i, game ball discharge path member outlet sensor SCS2o, confluence discharge path inlet sensor SALL, and sorter motor KR1MO, sorter Motor KL1MO, sorter motor KC2MO, rotary encoder EKR1, rotary encoder EKL1, rotary encoder EKC2, and ordinary electric accessory solenoid 118, big prize opening solenoid 120, seesaw solenoid 122, backup Rear switch 124, the first jackpot determining random number generator Rand1, second jackpot determining random number generator RAND2 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 opening sensor 106 is provided in the general winning opening 5. The general prize opening sensor 106 supplies a predetermined detection signal to the main control circuit 60 when a game ball passes through each general prize opening 5.

  The big prize opening sensor 107 is provided in the big prize opening 8. The special winning opening sensor 107 supplies a predetermined detection signal to the main control circuit 60 when a game ball passes through the special winning opening 8.

  The passing ball sensor 114R and the passing ball sensor 114L are provided on the right passing ball detection gate 55R and the left passing ball detection gate 55L, respectively. The passing ball sensor 114R sends a predetermined detection signal to the main control circuit 60 when a gaming ball passes through the right passing ball detection gate 55R, and the passing ball sensor 114L sends a predetermined detection signal when the gaming ball passes through the left passing ball detection gate 55L. And a predetermined detection signal is supplied to the main control circuit 60.

  The right start port sensor SRSA supplies a predetermined detection signal to the main control circuit 60 when a game ball enters the right start port 6R, and the left start port sensor SLSA enters a game ball into the left start port 6L. In the case of a ball, a predetermined detection signal is supplied to the main control circuit 60.

  Game ball discharge path member inlet sensor SRS1i, game ball discharge path member outlet sensor SRS1o, game ball discharge path member inlet sensor SRS2i, game ball discharge path member outlet sensor SRS2o, game ball discharge path member inlet sensor SRS3i, game ball discharge path member Exit sensor SRS1o, game ball discharge path member inlet sensor SRS4i, game ball discharge path member outlet sensor SRS4o, game ball discharge path member inlet sensor SLS1i, game ball discharge path member outlet sensor SLS1o, game ball discharge path member inlet sensor SLS2i, game Ball discharge path member outlet sensor SLS2o, game ball discharge path member inlet sensor SLS3i, game ball discharge path member outlet sensor SLS3o, game ball discharge path member inlet sensor SLS4i, game ball discharge path member outlet sensor SLS4o, game ball discharge path member inlet Sensor SCS1i, game ball discharge path member outlet The game ball discharge path sensors of the sensor SCS1o, the game ball discharge path member inlet sensor SCS2i, the game ball discharge path member outlet sensor SCS2o, and the confluence discharge path inlet sensor SALL respectively detect that the game ball has passed. The detection signal is supplied to the main control circuit 60.

  In the present embodiment, the above-described game ball discharge path sensors are provided for various purposes. However, these game ball discharge path sensors may be provided as necessary and connected to the main CPU 66 as necessary. Furthermore, it is sufficient that the main CPU 66 can detect that only a necessary sensor has been input by supplying a detection signal to the main control circuit 60 as necessary.

  In the present embodiment, a game ball discharge path member inlet sensor SCS2i, a game ball discharge path member as a means for detecting a game ball passing through a common game ball discharge path that triggers variation display of the right identification information and the left identification information. An inlet sensor SLS4i and a game ball discharge path member inlet sensor SRS4i are adopted and supplied to the main control circuit 60. Further, a game ball discharge path member inlet sensor SRS3i as a means for detecting a game ball passing through an individual game ball discharge path The ball discharge path member inlet sensor SLS3i was adopted and supplied to the main control circuit 60.

  The rotary encoder EKR1 is the rotation angle of the plate member BB rotated by the distributor motor KR1MO, the rotary encoder EKL1 is the rotation angle of the plate member (not shown) rotated by the distributor motor KL1MO, and the rotary encoder EKC2 is the distributor motor KC2MO. , The rotation angle of the rotating plate member (not shown) is detected, and a predetermined detection signal is supplied to the main control circuit 60.

  The sorter motor KL1MO used for the game ball sorter KL1, the sorter motor KR1MO used for the game ball sorter KR1, and the sorter motor KC2MO used for the game ball sorter KC2 correspond to drive signals supplied from the main CPU 66. Driven.

  The normal electric accessory solenoid 118 is connected to the movable piece 58R and the movable piece 58L attached to the right start port 6R and the left start port 6L via a link member (not shown), and is supplied from the main CPU 66. The movable piece 58R and the movable piece 58L are brought into an open state or a closed state in accordance with the drive signal.

  The special prize opening solenoid 120 is connected to a shutter 40 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 to open or close the special prize opening 8. And

  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 first jackpot determination random number generator RAND1 and the second jackpot determination random number generator RAND2 are digital random number generators. The first jackpot determination random number generator RAND1 displays whether or not the variable display game displayed by the identification information is a jackpot or not, and in which stop symbol (derived symbol) is stopped and displayed (derived symbol), and the fluctuation pattern Whether the variable display game displayed by the identification information of 2 is a big hit in combination with the first big hit determination random number generator RAND1, A lottery is selected to determine whether the derivation symbol or variation pattern varies. That is, the lottery is performed by referring to the jackpot determination table with the random number values from these random number generators.

  The first jackpot determination random number generator RAND1 and the second jackpot determination random number generator RAND2 generate random numbers close to white noise, for example, a number in the range of 12 bits (0 to 4095 in decimal number). Are generated with a substantially uniform occurrence probability. The random value generated from the first jackpot determination random number generator RAND1 and the random number generated from the second jackpot determination random number generator RAND2 are uncorrelated. Note that the main CPU 66 may generate a random number by a predetermined program instead of the first jackpot determination random number generator RAND1 and the second jackpot determination random number generator RAND2.

  In this embodiment, since the variable display and stop display are performed by both the right identification information and the left identification information, the left identification information is present, the left identification information is not present, the left identification information is not present, the right identification information is present, and the right identification information is present. There are three possible combinations. Here, when there is right side identification information and left side identification information, it is possible to play a variable display game by one lottery, but in that case, in order to cover all combinations, jackpot determination referred to by the extracted random number value The number of data included in the table (necessary address space) needs to be the square of the number of data with respect to the number of data included in the jackpot determination table for one piece of identification information.

  Therefore, in the present embodiment, the display position of the liquid crystal display device 32 is converted using the function of the sprite circuit of the VDP 212 in the sub control circuit 200 described later, and the same jackpot determination table is used for the right identification information and the left identification information. The number of data contained in the table was reduced as sharing.

  For this reason, when performing variable display and stop display in two variable display areas, extraction of a random value generated from the jackpot determination random number generator RAND1 and random number value generated from the second jackpot determination random number generator RAND2 The lottery is to be performed twice with the extraction.

  Regarding the number of lotteries, the derivation symbol lottery and the variation pattern lottery are performed separately in two, and each of the right column, the middle column, and the left column of the right side identification information and the left side identification information is further performed. The number of data included in the necessary jackpot determination table may be further reduced by performing the subdivided three lottery, but the processing becomes complicated and the processing load on the main CPU 66 increases.

  For the right side identification information, the random number from the first jackpot determination random number generator RAND1 refers to the right side dedicated jackpot determination table, and for the left side identification information, the second jackpot determination random number generator RAND2 , Refer to the left-side dedicated jackpot determination table, specify the position of the fluctuation display and stop display on the liquid crystal display device 32 on the right side, the left derivation pattern and the fluctuation pattern, and the left derivation pattern and fluctuation pattern. However, when such a method is employed, the capacity of the program ROM 208 for storing images is twice as large.

  Therefore, in this embodiment, the method of performing the lottery twice of the right identification information and the left identification information is adopted, but any other method may be used as the lottery mode.

  In the case where three pieces of identification information are displayed in a variable manner and stopped in a displayable area, three jackpot determination random number generators are provided and three random number values are extracted.

  In the present embodiment, the random number value is in a 12-bit range, that is, the number of data included in the jackpot determination table is 12 bits. The reason is that the number of stop symbols is 1000 from 000 to 999, of which 10 are jackpots, so 10 wins from about 4000 patterns to make the winning probability about 1/400. This is because it is necessary to select the data.

  If not all patterns are displayed, the number of 12 bits or less can be selected to reduce the capacity of the main ROM 68 constituting the jackpot determination table and the capacity of the program ROM 208 in which image data is stored. In the case where the result is changed, the first jackpot determination random number generator RAND1 and the second jackpot determination random number generator RAND2 can be configured by a random number generator that generates random numbers in a range of 12 bits or more.

  FIG. 13 shows a jackpot determination table of the present embodiment, and the contents of this table will be described.

  In other words, in this embodiment, 10 bits are assigned to represent 1000 derived symbols represented by 000 to 999, and a combination of 4 (2 bits) variation patterns is assigned to one stop symbol. I am trying to specify.

  One data of the jackpot determination table is composed of 16 bits, and the breakdown is 10 bits for the stop symbol (derived symbol) (to display the number from 000 to 999), 2 bits for the fluctuation pattern (In order to display four variation patterns), and the remaining 2 bits are input from individual game ball discharge paths, which will be described later, or input from a common game ball discharge path (individual Used as a game ball discharge path identification bit for determining whether a lottery was performed based on input from the game ball discharge path or whether a lottery was performed based on input from a common game ball discharge path). Is a game ball discharge path identification bit, the following 10 bits are arranged for identifying a derived symbol, and the lowest 2 are arranged for identifying a variation pattern.

  Here, for example, the variation pattern from pattern 1 to pattern 4 varies slowly from the beginning to the end in variation pattern 1, slowly varies in the beginning in variation pattern 2, and varies rapidly at the end, and varies. In pattern 3, it was assumed that it fluctuated quickly at the beginning and slowly at the end, and it varied quickly from the beginning to the end in variation pattern 4. The configuration of the jackpot determination table described above is an example employed in the present embodiment, and is not limited to this.

  The main control circuit 60 is connected to a payout / firing 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. Also, the payout / launch control circuit 126 performs a control of launching a game ball by supplying a launch signal to the launch device 130.

  Further, 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.

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

  The sub-control circuit 200 as an effect display control means is a sub-CPU 206 as a display control means for performing display control on the game area 15, a program ROM 208 as a storage means, a work RAM 210, and a display for performing display control in the liquid crystal display device 32. The control circuit 250, the speaker 46L, the sound control circuit 230 that controls the sound generated from the speaker 46R, and the lamp control circuit 240 that controls the various lamps 132, are configured according to commands from the main control circuit 60. The performance according to the progress of is executed.

  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. Furthermore, it functions as various means.

  The program ROM 208 stores a program for controlling the game effects of the pachinko gaming machine 10 by the sub CPU 206.

  In the sub-control circuit 200 according to the present embodiment, the program ROM 208 is used as a storage unit for storing a program, a table, and the like. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the storage is readable by a computer having a control unit. As long as it is a medium, another aspect may be sufficient, for example, you may record on storage media, such as a hard disk drive, CD-ROM and DVD-ROM, and a ROM cartridge.

  In this embodiment, the main control circuit 60 including the main CPU 66, the main RAM 70, and the main ROM 68 and the sub control circuit 200 including the sub CPU 206, the work RAM 210, and the program ROM 208 are separately configured. A CPU, a single RAM, and a single ROM may be included, and all of these may be configured as a single chip.

  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 such as a stop symbol (derived symbol) and a variation pattern are positioned.

  In this 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.

  In this embodiment, the display control circuit 250 functions as a part of display means, an image data processor (hereinafter referred to as VDP) 212, an image data ROM 216 for storing various image data, and image data as image signals. And a D / A converter 218 for conversion as follows, and an initial reset circuit 220 for generating a reset signal when the power is turned on.

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

  The VDP 212 includes a so-called sprite circuit, a screen circuit, a pallet circuit, and the like, and is a device that can perform various processes for displaying an image on the liquid crystal display device 32. That is, the VDP 212 performs display control for the liquid crystal display device 32. The VDP 212 also has a storage medium (for example, a video RAM) as a buffer for displaying an image in another area that can be displayed by using the left variable display area 32aL, the right variable display area 32aR, and the liquid crystal display device 32. ). By storing image data in a predetermined storage area of the storage medium, an image is displayed in the right variable display area 32aR and / or the left variable display area 32aL at a predetermined timing. In the present embodiment, the right identification information displayed in the right variable display area 32aR and the left identification information displayed in the left variable display area 32aL use the same derived pattern and the same variation pattern, and are changed by the sprite circuit. The display areas are different.

  In the image data ROM 216, various image data such as background image data, effect image data, and normal symbol image data indicating a normal symbol are stored separately. Further, various images that are variably displayed and various images that are stopped (derived) are stored in the image data ROM 216. Accordingly, the main CPU 66 determines which image stored in advance in the image data ROM 216 is to be called and displayed on which position on the liquid crystal display device 32, and transmits it to the sub CPU 206 by the variation pattern designation command and the derived symbol designation command. Based on the function of the sprite circuit, predetermined identification information can be displayed (variable display and stop display) in a predetermined area (the right variable display area 32aR and / or the left variable display area 32aL) of the liquid crystal display device 32. .

  The VDP 212 also receives identification information image data based on a derived symbol and a variation pattern, normal symbol image data indicating a normal symbol, background image data, an effect image from the image data ROM 216 in accordance with an image display command supplied from the sub CPU 206. Various kinds of image data such as data are read out, overlapped in order from the image data located at the rear, stored in the buffer, and supplied to the D / A converter 218 at a predetermined timing. The D / A converter 218 converts the image data as an image signal, and enables the image signal to be displayed in the displayable area.

  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 AMP (amplifier) 236 that amplifies the audio signal.

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

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

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

(Machine machine operation)
Below, the process performed with the pachinko machine 10 is shown in FIGS.

(Main process)
First, as shown in FIG. 5, initial setting processing such as RAM access permission, backup restoration processing, and work area initialization is executed (step S11). And the special symbol control process regarding the progress of the variable display game based on the right side identification information or / and the left side identification information, and the identification information displayed on the right side variable display area 32aR or / and the left side variable display area 32aL is executed (step S15). That is, the variable display game execution means is mainly configured by processing in the main CPU 66. 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. The process of step S15 will be described later in detail with reference to FIG.

(System timer interrupt processing)
Even when the main CPU 66 is executing the main process, the main CPU 66 interrupts the main process and generates a clock pulse generated every predetermined period (for example, 2 milliseconds) from the reset clock pulse generation circuit 62. In response, the following system timer interrupt processing is executed. This system timer interrupt process will be described with reference to FIG.

  First, as shown in FIG. 6, the main CPU 66 reads the random number values generated by the first jackpot determination random number generator RAND1 and the second jackpot determination random number generator RAND2 in the random number update process, and reads the predetermined random number from the RAM 70. Store in the area. (Step S42).

  Then, as will be described in detail later with reference to FIG. 10, the outputs of the right start port 6R, the left start port 6L, the right pass ball detection gate 55R, the left pass ball detection gate 55L, the general winning port 5, the game ball discharge path sensor, etc. Based on the signal, an input detection process for detecting entry or passage of the game ball 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 condition that a game ball has entered the 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, a game ball sorter motor control process for generating a signal for driving the sorter motor KR1MO used in the game ball sorter KR1 using the movable member is executed (step S45).

  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).

  Then, command output processing is executed (step S48). In this process, the main CPU 66 supplies various commands to the sub control circuit 200. Specifically, as these various commands, the left identification information or / and the right identification displayed in the left, middle, and right columns in the left variable display area 32aL and / or the right variable display area 32aR are stopped. A symbol designating command for designating a stop symbol of information, a variation pattern designating command indicating a variation display pattern of left side identification information or / and right side identification information, a demo display command, and the like are included.

  If this process ends, the process moves to a step S49. In the process of step S49, the main CPU 66 executes a payout process such as transmitting a prize ball control command for causing the payout device 128 to perform a prize ball to the payout / firing control circuit 126. The payout device 128 supplies to the payout / launch control circuit 126 a prize ball control command for paying out a predetermined number of prize balls as a result of game balls entering into various winning holes.

  When all the above processes are completed, the process returns to the address before the occurrence of the interrupt, and the main process is executed.

(Special symbol control processing)
The subroutine executed in step S15 in FIG. 5 will be described with reference to FIG. In FIG. 7, the numerical values drawn on the sides of step S72 to step S80 indicate the control state flags corresponding to those steps, and one step corresponding to the numerical value according to the numerical value of the control state flag. Is executed, and the variable display game proceeds.

  First, as shown in FIG. 7, a process for loading a control state flag is executed (step S71). In this process, the main CPU 66 reads the control state flag. If this process ends, the process moves to a step S72.

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

  In step S72, a special symbol memory check process is executed. Although the details will be described later with reference to FIG. 9, the main CPU 66 checks the number of reserved pieces when the control state flag is a value (00) indicating a special symbol storage check, and determines the big hit if there is a reserved number. The identification information (derived pattern) to be stopped and the identification information (variation pattern) to be variably displayed are determined. Further, the main CPU 66 sets a value (01) indicating special symbol variation time management in the control state flag, and sets the variation time corresponding to the variation pattern determined in the current process in the waiting time timer. That is, it is set so that the process of step S73 is executed after the fluctuation time corresponding to the fluctuation pattern determined this time has elapsed. On the other hand, when there is no pending number, a demonstration screen is displayed. If this process ends, the process moves to a step S73.

  In step S73, a special symbol variation time management process is executed. In this process, the main CPU 66 sets the control state flag to a value (01) indicating special symbol change time management, and when the change time has elapsed, sets the value (02) indicating special symbol display time management to the control state flag. And a waiting time after confirmation (for example, 1 second) is set in the waiting time timer. That is, it is set so that the 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 executing step S74 is advantageous to the player on the condition that the result of variable display of the identification information in the right variable display area 32aR and / or the left variable display area 32aL is a combination of specific identification information. Control to the big jackpot gaming state will be performed. 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 the 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. In the present embodiment, since the gaming machine has only one big winning opening 8, when two variable display games progress, both of them are big hits, and the big winning opening 8 is doubled as usual. The special winning opening opening time timer is set so as to be opened (for example, 60 seconds). As a result, the player can fully enjoy the profits when the two variable display games proceed simultaneously and both are big hits. If this process ends, the process moves to a step S76.

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

  In step S77, a special winning opening opening process is executed. In this process, when the control status flag is a value (04) indicating that the big prize opening is being opened, the main CPU 66 has passed the condition that the big prize opening prize counter is “10” or more, and the opening upper limit time ( It is determined whether or not any of the conditions that the big prize opening time timer is “0” is satisfied. In the present embodiment, as described above, when two variable display games progress, when both are big hits, the special winning opening 8 is opened twice as long as usual (for example, 60 seconds). Although it was set in the grand prize opening time timer, instead of this, or in addition to this, the condition that the grand prize opening prize counter is “20” or more and the upper limit opening time has passed (the big prize opening time timer is “ It may be determined whether or not any of the conditions “0” is satisfied. As a result, the player can fully enjoy the profits when the two variable display games proceed simultaneously and both are big hits. The main CPU 66 updates a variable positioned in the main RAM 70 in order to close the special winning opening 8 when the condition 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. In the present embodiment, as described above, when two variable display games progress, when both are big hits, the special winning opening 8 is opened twice as long as usual (for example, 60 seconds). However, instead of this, or in addition to this, the condition that the special winning opening opening number counter is “30 (number of final rounds)” or more may be set. 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 round games in the waiting time timer. In other words, after the time corresponding to the interval between round games has elapsed, it is set to execute the process of step S76. 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. If this process ends, the process moves to a step S80.

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

  As described above, the variable display game is executed by setting the control state flag. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 8, the main CPU 66 sets the control status flags to “00”, “01”, “02”, when the jackpot determination result is lost when the jackpot gaming state is not set. By setting “08” in order, the processing of step S72, step S73, step S74, and step S80 shown in FIG. 7 is executed at a predetermined timing. 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. 7 is executed at a predetermined timing, and control to the big hit gaming state is executed. When one of the variable display games played based on the right side identification information or the left side identification information is a big hit, the control flag is set in order as a big hit.

  Further, when the control to the big hit gaming state is executed, the main CPU 66 sets the control state flag in order of “04”, “05”, “06”, thereby performing step S77 shown in FIG. The processing of step S78 and step S76 is executed at a predetermined timing, and the jackpot game is executed. When the jackpot game is being executed, if the jackpot game state end condition (jackpot game end condition) is satisfied, “04”, “05”, “07”, “08” are set in this order. As a result, the processing from step S77 to step S80 shown in FIG. 7 is executed at a predetermined timing, and the jackpot gaming state is terminated. It should be noted that the jackpot game end condition is that there is no passing of a game ball to a specific area (so-called “punk”) or a maximum number of round games (in this embodiment). Will end the jackpot gaming state on the condition that is completed 15 times).

(Special symbol memory check process)
The subroutine executed in step S72 in FIG. 7 will be described with reference to FIG.

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

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

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

  In step S105, the upper 2 bits (game ball discharge path identification bit) of the extended jackpot determination random number value stored in the head address among the extended jackpot determination random number values stored in the FIFO type shift register of the main RAM 70 are 01. If it is 01 or 10, the process proceeds to step S106, and if it is not 01 or 10, the process proceeds to step S107. When the process moves to step S107, the upper 2 bits of the extended jackpot determination random value are always 11.

  Here, the details of the extended jackpot determination random number will be described later. The upper 2 bits are 01 when there is an input from the first individual game ball discharge path sensor, and the second individual game. When there is an input from the ball discharge path sensor, it is 10, and when there is an input from the common game ball discharge path sensor, it is 11.

  If there is an input from an individual game ball discharge path by using the extended jackpot determination random number value, the following processing is not distinguished regardless of whether there is an input from a common game ball discharge path sensor. It will be possible.

  In step S106, jackpot determination and determination of derived symbols and variation patterns are performed. Here, the jackpot determination is determined as a jackpot when the three horizontal rows of the derived symbol have the same number. Therefore, it is determined whether or not the jackpot is determined by reading the contents of the jackpot determination table at the corresponding address indicated by the random value extracted from the first jackpot determination random number generator RAND1 and examining the upper 10 bits of the code. . That is, the upper 10-bit code corresponding to the jackpot is 0000000000000 (the numbers in the horizontal three columns represent 0, 0, 0, and the same notation is used hereinafter), 1101111 (1, 1, 1), 11011110 (2, 2, 2), 101000101 (3, 3, 3), 110111100 (4, 4, 4), 1000101011 (5, 5, 5), 1010011010 (6, 6, 6), 1100001001 (7, 7, 7), 1101111000 Since (8, 8, 8), 1111100111 (9, 9, 9), if the extracted random number value matches one of these 10-bit codes, it is a big hit, and if it does not match, it may be out of place. In addition to being able to judge easily, the derived symbols can also be determined. Further, the fluctuation pattern can be determined by detecting the lowest 2-bit code. Then, to determine whether or not it is a big hit in the subsequent processing, the main jack 70 writes a big hit determination result in a predetermined area. When this process ends, the process moves to a step S109.

  In step S107, the contents of the jackpot determination table at the corresponding address indicated by the random number extracted from the first jackpot determination random number generator RAND1 are read out and used as data relating to the right identification information. That is, processing similar to the processing in step S106 is performed to determine whether the right identification information is a big hit, to determine a derived symbol, and further to determine a variation pattern. Then, in a subsequent process, in order to let the user know whether the right identification information is a big hit or not, a big hit determination result is written in a predetermined area of the main RAM 70. When this process ends, the process moves to a step S108.

  In step S108, the contents of the jackpot determination table at the corresponding address indicated by the random number extracted from the second jackpot determination random number generator RAND2 are read out and used as data relating to the left identification information. That is, the same processing as the processing in step S106 is performed to determine whether the left side identification information is a big hit, to determine a derived symbol, and to further determine a variation pattern. Then, in a subsequent process, in order to let the user know whether the left side identification information is a big hit or not, the big hit determination result is written in a predetermined area of the main RAM 70. When this process ends, the process moves to a step S109.

  In step S109, a process of setting a variation time corresponding to the determined variation pattern in the waiting time timer is executed.

  In step S110, the extended jackpot determination random number value stored in the FIFO shift register of the main RAM 70 is shifted to the top address side by one data (2 words), and the next special symbol storage check process can be performed. To be. When this process is finished, this subroutine is finished.

  It should be noted that the determined derived symbols and variation patterns stored in the main RAM 70 in step S106, step S107, and step S108 are transferred from the main CPU 66 of the main control circuit 60 to the sub control circuit in the process of step S48 in FIG. 200 sub CPUs 206 are supplied as a part of a variation pattern designation command of identification information to be variably displayed and a part of a symbol designation command of identification information to be suspended to execute variation display and stop display.

  Here, the main RAM 70 stores a winning symbol or a missing symbol when the process of step S106 is completed, and a jackpot symbol (right identification information) and a jackpot symbol (left side) when the process of step S108 is completed. Identification information), a jackpot symbol (right side identification information), a symbol symbol (left side identification information), a jackpot symbol (left side identification information), a symbol symbol (right side identification information), or a symbol symbol (right side identification information) Any one of (identification information) is stored.

  More specifically, for example, the symbol designating command is composed of two words, and the first word is a 4-bit header part indicating that the command is a symbol designating command and the identification information is the right identification information or / and the left side. It consists of 16 bits including 2 bits (game ball discharge path identification bit) indicating which of the identification information is followed by a 10-bit right-side derivation symbol code, and in the second word, 10-bit left-side derivation The code of the symbol is included, and 2 in the same format is displayed to the sub CPU 206 regardless of whether the stop (derivation) display is performed by the identification information of 1 or the stop (derivation) display is performed by the identification information of 2. Word design designation commands can be sent.

  In the case of performing stop display in three variable display areas using three identification signals, for example, the game ball discharge path identification bit is set to 00 and the symbol designation command is extended to 3 bytes to achieve this purpose. Further, the same extension can be applied to a case where stop display is performed in four or more variable display areas using four or more identification signals.

  Further, for example, the variation pattern designation command is a 4-bit header portion indicating that the variation pattern designation command is used, and 2 bits indicating whether the identification information is right side identification information or / and left side identification information (game ball discharge). (Path identification bit), 16 bits including a right fluctuation pattern code represented by 2 bits and a left fluctuation pattern code represented by 2 bits, Regardless of whether the variable display is performed by the identification information 2, a change pattern designation command of the same format can be sent to the sub CPU 206.

  In the case where variable display is performed in three variable display areas using three identification signals, for example, the game ball discharge path identification bit is set to 00, and the variable pattern designation command is further used to represent the third variable pattern. This purpose can be achieved by adding 2 bits, and the same extension can be made when four or more identification signals are used and variable display is performed in four or more variable display areas.

(Input detection processing)
The subroutine executed in step S43 in FIG. 6 will be described with reference to FIG.

  First, as shown in FIG. 10, the main CPU 66 executes a prize ball related sensor check process (step S231). In this processing, the main CPU 66 is supplied with predetermined detection signals such as a V count sensor 102, a count sensor 104, a general winning opening sensor 106, a left starting opening sensor SLSA, a right starting opening sensor SRSA, etc., which are sensors related to award balls. Detect whether or not 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 supplied the signals, and stores the state of each sensor in a predetermined area of the main RAM 70. . Note that award balls are paid out in the payout process in step S49 based on the state of the sensor stored in the main RAM 70.

  If this process ends, the process moves to a step S232. In step S232, a special symbol related sensor input process is executed. Although the details will be described later with reference to FIG. 11, the main CPU 66 that has performed special symbol-related sensor input processing for detecting whether or not there is a predetermined input from a specific game ball discharge path sensor related to identification information as a special symbol. Then, the process proceeds to step S233.

  In step S233, normal symbol related sensor input processing is executed. In this processing, the passing ball sensor 114L and the passing ball sensor 114R supply a predetermined detection signal to the main CPU 66. The main CPU 66 having received these predetermined signals performs processing such as normal symbol start-up storage. When this process is finished, this subroutine is finished.

(Special pattern related sensor input processing)
A special symbol-related sensor input processing subroutine executed in step S232 of FIG. 10 will be described with reference to FIG.

  First, in step S261, the main CPU 66 reads the starting memory number (so-called “data indicating the number of holdings” described above) from the starting memory number counter, and determines whether the starting memory number is “4” or more. . In the present embodiment, it is determined whether or not the reserved number is “4” or more, but the reserved number may be other numbers that are “4” or more. 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, if the number of reserved items reaches the upper limit, even if there is an input from a specific game ball discharge path sensor, this subroutine is terminated without performing any processing. On the other hand, when the main CPU 66 determines that the start memory number is smaller than “4”, the main CPU 66 shifts the processing to step S262.

  In steps S262 to S267, it is detected whether or not there is an input from a specific game ball discharge path sensor that triggers the start of the variable display game. In the present embodiment, the specific game ball discharge path sensor includes the first individual game ball discharge path, the second individual game ball discharge path, and the first common game ball discharge path to the twelfth common game. This corresponds to a sensor that detects that a game ball has passed through the ball discharge path. When it is determined that there is an input from a specific game ball discharge path sensor, the extended jackpot determination random number value is written in the main RAM 70. At this time, if there is no reserved ball, it is written in a predetermined head address, and if there is a reserved ball, it is stored in an empty address in order from the head address.

  As described above, at least four extended jackpot random numbers can be written in the main RAM 70 in correspondence with the number of reserved balls. It should be noted that the data stored in the main RAM 70 is read by the main CPU 66 to determine whether or not it is a big hit in step S106, step S107, and step S108 in FIG.

  As described above, the data to be written to the main RAM 70 is composed of two words in the present embodiment, and the jackpot from the first random number generator RAND1 is triggered by an input from an individual game ball discharge path sensor. When the extended jackpot determination random number value is written in the main RAM 70 based on the determination random number value, the extended jackpot determination random number value is written only in one word, nothing is stored in the other one word, and the common game When the extended jackpot determination random number value is written in the main RAM 70 based on the jackpot determination random number values from the first random number generator RAND1 and the second random number generator RAND2 triggered by the input from the ball discharge path sensor, 2 The extended jackpot determination random number value is stored in each of the words.

  First, in step S262, there is an input from the game ball discharge path sensor SRS3i, which is a sensor for detecting a game ball passing through the first individual game ball discharge path (detection of passing of the game ball), Determine whether or not. If it is determined that there is an input, the process proceeds to step S263. If it is not determined that there is an input, the process proceeds to step S264.

  In step S263, a random number value is extracted from the first jackpot determination random number generator RAND1, and an extended jackpot determination random number value is obtained by adding 01 to the upper 2 bits, and is written in the main RAM 70 as the first word data. Then, the process proceeds to step S268.

  In step S264, it is determined whether or not there is an input from the game ball discharge path sensor SLS3i, which is a sensor for detecting a game ball passing through the second individual game ball discharge path. If it is determined that there is an input, the process proceeds to step S265. If it is not determined that there is an input, the process proceeds to step S266.

  In step S265, a random number value is extracted from the first jackpot determination random number generator RAND1, and 10 is added to the upper 2 bits to obtain an extended jackpot determination random number value, which is written in the main RAM 70 as the first word data. Then, the process proceeds to step S268.

  In step S266, a game ball discharge path sensor SCS2i, a game ball discharge path sensor SLS4i, and a game ball are sensors that detect a game ball passing through the first common game ball discharge path to the twelfth common game ball discharge path. It is determined whether or not there is an input from any of the discharge path sensors SRS4i. If it is determined that there is an input, the process proceeds to step S267. If it is not determined that there is an input, this subroutine is terminated.

  In step S267, a random number value is extracted from the first jackpot determination random number generator RAND1, 11 is added to the upper 2 bits to obtain an extended jackpot determination random number value, written to the main RAM 70, and further a second jackpot determination. The random number value is extracted from the random number generator RAND2 and 11 is added to the upper 2 bits to obtain the extended jackpot determination random number value, which is written in the main RAM 70 as the first word data and the second word data. Note that the above-mentioned 2-word extended jackpot determination random number value is stored in an adjacent area (address) of the main RAM 70, and in the processing of step S106 and the like, it is detected that the upper 2 bits are 11 and 2 It is possible to know that processing should be performed corresponding to two variable display games. Then, the process proceeds to step S268.

  In step S268, 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. When this process ends, this subroutine ends.

  As described above, the main CPU 66 stores the extended jackpot determination random number value in the main RAM 70 based on the extracted jackpot determination random number value. As described above, the main CPU 66 detects an input from a specific game ball discharge path sensor and gives an opportunity to advance the variable display game based on the processing result. That is, the main CPU 66 that executes the special symbol related sensor input process, the main RAM 70 that stores the extended jackpot determination random number value, and the main ROM 68 that stores the program of this process control the two identification information in a variable manner. A part of the display control means is configured, and a trigger for starting the variable display game based on the two pieces of identification information is given, and a part of the variable display game execution means is configured. In addition, when three or more variable display games are performed simultaneously with three or more identification information, when it is determined that there is an input from the game ball discharge path sensor as an opportunity, based on the three jackpot determination random number values The extended jackpot determination random value is obtained and written to the main RAM 70.

(Operation of sub control circuit)
The sub control circuit 200 receives various commands transmitted from the main control circuit 60 and executes command reception processing. In the present embodiment, the processing when receiving a variation pattern designation command and a derived symbol designation command is particularly important, so the processing when these commands are received will be described.

(Command reception processing)
First, as shown in FIG. 12, it is determined whether or not a variation pattern designation command has been received (step S301). 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 S302. 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 S303.

  In step S302, the contents of the variation pattern designation command are set in a predetermined area of the work RAM 210, and this subroutine is terminated.

  Then, the sub CPU 206 analyzes the contents of the variation pattern designation command set in the work RAM 210, transfers specific image data from the image data ROM 216 to the video RAM of the VDP 212, and performs predetermined processing within the displayable area. A variable display area (variable display area) is formed at the position.

  At this time, the variation pattern designation command also passes to the sub CPU 206 information on which of the common game ball discharge path sensors has been input, so the pattern designated by the variation pattern designation command (pattern 1 to pattern shown in FIG. 13). 4), and the position in the variable display area to be variably displayed can be specified (each of the right variable display area 32aR and the left variable display area V32aL).

  Then, by the function of the pallet circuit of the VDP 212, the variation display of the designated variation pattern is performed at the designated position.

  In step S303, it is determined whether a derived symbol designation command has been received. In this process, if the sub CPU 206 determines that it has received a derived symbol designation command from the main control circuit 60, it moves the process to step S304. On the other hand, if the sub CPU 206 determines that it has not received the derived symbol designation command from the main control circuit 60, it moves the process to step S305.

  In step S304, the contents of the derived symbol designation command are set in a predetermined area of the work RAM 210, and this subroutine is terminated.

  Then, the sub CPU 206 analyzes the content of the derived symbol designation command set in the work RAM 210, transfers specific image data from the image data ROM 216 to the video RAM of the VDP 212, and performs predetermined processing within the displayable area. A variable display area (stop display area) is formed at the position. At this time, since the derived symbol designation command also passes to the sub CPU 206 information on whether there is an input from the common game ball discharge path sensor, the pattern designated by the derived symbol designation command (any of the derived symbol designations shown in FIG. 13). ) And the position in the variable display area to be stopped (each of the right variable display area 32aR and the left variable display area V32aL) can be specified.

  Then, by the function of the pallet circuit of the VDP 212, the designated symbol at the designated position is stopped and displayed.

  In step S305, the sub CPU 206 executes control corresponding to other received commands. When this process is finished, this subroutine is finished.

  Due to the above-described command processing in the sub-control circuit 200 and the processing accompanying this, in the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 14, the right variable display region 32aR and the left variable display region 32aL have As shown in FIG. 2, two independent stop displays are made in the right variable display area 32aR and the left variable display area 32aL, and the player can visually change the variable display game through the transparent game board 14. Can enjoy the progress.

  In the present embodiment, when the game ball passes through the first individual game ball discharge path, the right variable display area 32aR is displayed in a variable manner and stopped, and the second individual game ball discharge path is displayed. When the game ball has passed, the variable display area 32aL is displayed in a variable manner and stopped.

  The change pattern designation command indicates that three or more variable displays are simultaneously displayed in three or more variable display areas, and the derived symbol designation command indicates that three or more stop displays are simultaneously displayed in three or more variable display areas. In this case, similar processing is performed.

  As described above, in the gaming machine according to the present embodiment, when the gaming board is a transparent gaming board, it is possible to perform variable display simultaneously at two places in a wide area as described above, and further, transparent gaming ball discharge When the road is used, it is possible to enjoy the variable display game while visually recognizing that the game balls pass through a common game ball discharge path or individual game ball discharge paths.

  However, even if a transparent game board is not used, according to the present embodiment, it is possible to perform variable display at two locations at the same time, and the player can enjoy a novel variable display game that has not existed before. . Even if the gaming machine has a structure in which the flow of the game ball in the game ball discharge path cannot be visually recognized, the player can imagine the movement of the game ball after passing through the right start port 6R and the left start port 6L. Thus, with a great sense of expectation, it is possible to enjoy an unprecedented way of waiting for game balls to pass through a common game ball discharge path.

  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 changes the game board that guides the launched game ball from the upper side to the lower side, the first identification information and the second identification information, and changes the gaming state according to the fluctuation result. Variable display game executing means, display means for changing and stopping display of first identification information in the first display area, second identification information in the second display area, and game board A plurality of specific winning holes arranged above, and only one specific winning hole provided on the back side of the game board, which is provided for discharging the game balls that have entered the specific winning holes. A game ball discharge path branched into a single game ball discharge path connected to one specific winning opening and a common game ball discharge path connected to another specific winning opening, each game ball discharging Game ball detection means provided on the road for detecting the passage of a game ball, and the game ball detection means A gaming machine comprising: display control means for performing control to change and display the first identification information and the second identification information when a game ball passing through a common game ball discharge path is detected. However, the game board, variable display game execution means, display means, game ball discharge path, game ball detection means, and display control means are not limited to the aspects of the present embodiment.

  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 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 game ball discharge path 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 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 an engaging pachinko gaming machine according to the embodiment of the present 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 jackpot determination table in the pachinko gaming machine according to the embodiment of the present invention. It is a display screen performed in the pachinko gaming machine according to the embodiment of the present invention. It is a figure which shows the game ball sorter and game ball discharge path sensor which concern on embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the game ball | bowl merger which concerns on embodiment of this invention.

Explanation of symbols

8 Grand prize opening 10 Pachinko machine 14 Transparent game board 15 Game area 32 Liquid crystal display device 60 Main control circuit 66 Main CPU
200 Sub control circuit 206 Sub CPU

Claims (4)

A game board that guides the launched game ball from the upper side to the lower side,
Variable display game execution means that fluctuates the first identification information and the second identification information and can change the gaming state according to the variation result;
Display means for variably displaying and stopping display the first identification information in a first display area and the second identification information in a second display area;
A plurality of specific winning openings arranged on the game board;
Provided for discharging the game balls that have entered each of the specific winning openings, and provided on the back side of the game board, are connected to only one specific winning opening and one specific winning path. A game ball discharge path branched into a common game ball discharge path connected to the mouth and other specific winning openings;
A gaming machine comprising:
A game ball detecting means provided in each game ball discharge path for detecting the passage of the game ball;
Display control means for performing control to display the first identification information and the second identification information in a variable manner when the game ball detection means detects a game ball passing through the common game ball discharge path; A gaming machine characterized by having it.   2. The game ball distributing means according to claim 1, further comprising: a game ball distributing unit that distributes a game ball that has entered the specific winning opening to either the individual game ball discharge path or the common game ball discharge path. Gaming machine. The gaming machine according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the gaming board is a transparent gaming board made of a light transmissive material.   The game ball discharge path is a transparent game ball discharge path formed of a light-transmitting material, and the display means is disposed behind the transparent game board and the transparent game ball discharge path. The gaming machine according to claim 3.

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