JP2006187311A - Game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To display at least the maximum number of rounds of games applicable to an advantageous game state when the game state is shifted to the advantageous state in which a prescribed game value is given. <P>SOLUTION: When a main control part 310 selects a jackpot by a lottery and determines the opening of a large winning hole of one of two variable winning ball devices, a round indicator 462 turns on one of a right LED for round display 462R and a left LED for round display 462L which is correlated to the determined variable winning ball device. When the state of the variable winning ball device returns to the regular state, the round indicator 462 turns off the LED for round display. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2006,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to a gaming machine having a variable winning ball apparatus.

  Conventionally, as a gaming machine such as a pachinko machine, for example, a gaming machine as shown in FIG. 27 is known. In this gaming machine, the normal symbol display device operation gate (left) 105 or the normal symbol display device operation gate (right) 106 on the game board 101 is driven by a game ball launched by the player operating the gaming machine handle 111. When the normal symbol operation switch is turned ON and the passage of the game ball is detected, the 7-segment LED of the normal symbol display device 107 starts the fluctuation display of the normal symbol. Thereafter, when the normal symbol display device 107 stops displaying the specific normal symbol, the second start winning opening 108 is opened. Under this state, it becomes easy to win a game ball in the second start winning opening 108.

  Then, the special symbol start switch inside the second start winning port 108 in this state or the special symbol start switch inside the first start winning port 104 which is always open is turned ON, and the game ball When the winning is detected, the special symbol display device 102 starts the variable display of special symbols such as a plurality of numbers and figures, and the effect symbol display device 103 displays the variable symbols such as a plurality of numbers and graphics. Be started. Then, when a predetermined fluctuation time has elapsed, the fluctuation display of the special symbol and the effect symbol is stopped, the lottery result is notified, and the effect is performed.

  When the stop symbol of the special symbol display device 102 becomes a predetermined combination of symbols, that is, when a special prize is obtained, the up-and-down opening / closing member 115 of the variable winning ball device 110 is moved forward in FIG. It falls down and the variable winning ball apparatus 110 is opened. In this state, winning of a large number of game balls to the variable winning ball device 110 is facilitated. Hereinafter, this state is referred to as “opening of a big prize opening”. Here, the special prize refers to a point at which a game is switched from a normal state to an advantageous state in which a predetermined game value is given to the player such as a large number of prize balls being paid out (a big hit action or a big hit). Note that the variable winning ball apparatus is also called a grand prize opening.

  Then, when the large winning opening switch inside the opened variable winning ball apparatus 110 is turned on by the winning ball, a winning of the game ball (hereinafter, the won game ball is referred to as “winning ball”) is detected. A predetermined number of prize balls (out balls, safe balls) are paid out for one winning ball.

  During the jackpot operation, when the specified number of winning balls for the winning prize opening is detected by the big winning opening switch, the opening / closing member 115 is returned to the original position, and the first variable winning ball apparatus 110 is closed. Alternatively, during this jackpot operation, if a predetermined time, for example, 30 seconds elapses before a predetermined number of winning balls is detected by the big winning port switch inside the variable winning ball device 110, similarly, The opening / closing member 115 is returned to the original position, and the first variable winning ball apparatus 110 is closed. Hereinafter, this state is referred to as “closing the big prize opening”. Here, one cycle from the opening of the grand prize opening to the closing of the big prize opening is called “round”. Thereafter, such an operation of the variable winning ball apparatus 110 is repeated until the maximum number of rounds previously related to the variable winning ball apparatus 109 is reached, that is, for example, 14 times continuously.

  Although an example of a gaming machine having one variable winning ball device has been described above, a gaming machine having two variable winning ball devices is also considered. As a gaming machine having these two variable winning ball devices, the one shown in FIG. 28 is known, and the gaming machine having these two variable winning ball devices is compared with a gaming machine having one variable winning ball device. In other words, the two variable winning ball devices 109 and 110 are arranged in two upper and lower stages, and the drive control methods of the two variable winning ball devices 109 and 110 are different.

  That is, when the stop symbol of the special symbol display device 102 becomes a predetermined combination of symbols, that is, when it becomes a special prize, during the jackpot operation, the up-and-down opening / closing member 114 of the variable winning ball device 109 or the variable winning ball device Of the 110 tiltable opening / closing members 115, the opening / closing member, for example, the opening / closing member 114, which is selected by a built-in program, falls to the front side in FIG. 28, and the variable winning ball device 109 is opened.

  Then, when the large winning opening switch inside the opened variable winning ball device 109 is turned on by the winning ball and a winning ball is detected, a predetermined number of winning balls for one winning ball is obtained. To be paid out.

  During the jackpot operation, when a predetermined number of winning balls for the winning prize opening are detected by the big winning opening switch, the opening / closing member 114 is returned to the original position, and the variable winning ball apparatus 109 is closed. Alternatively, during this jackpot operation, if a predetermined time, for example, 30 seconds elapses before a predetermined number of winning balls is detected by the big winning port switch inside the variable winning ball device 109, similarly, The opening / closing member 114 is returned to the original position, and the variable winning ball device 109 is closed. Thereafter, such an operation is repeated by the variable winning ball apparatus 109 until the maximum number of rounds related to the variable winning ball apparatus 109 is reached, that is, for example, five times continuously.

  On the other hand, even when the open / close member 115 selected by the built-in program falls to the front side in FIG. 27 and the variable winning ball apparatus 110 is opened during the jackpot operation, the prize ball is paid in the same manner. The opening / closing member 115 is returned to the original position when a predetermined number of winning balls are detected by the big winning opening switch or a predetermined time, for example, 30 seconds elapses before the detection. Returning, the variable winning ball apparatus 110 is closed. Thereafter, such an operation is repeated by the variable winning ball apparatus 110 until the maximum number of rounds related to the variable winning ball apparatus 110 is reached, that is, for example, 14 times continuously.

  By the way, when two variable winning ball devices are provided in the gaming machine as described above, it is required to display the number of rounds of the variable winning ball device during the jackpot operation among these two variable winning ball devices. Even when one variable winning ball apparatus is provided, it is required to display the number of rounds of this one variable winning ball apparatus during the jackpot operation. In other words, it is necessary to inform the player of game information regarding the current big hit operation more easily.

  In response to this request, as a display device for displaying the number of rounds, in terms of reuse and cost reduction, a gaming machine having two variable winning ball devices, or a gaming machine having one variable winning ball device In this case, those that can be used in common are preferable. From this, for example, it is conceivable to use the multiple display device described in Patent Document 1.

Japanese Patent No. 3160166

  However, even if it is intended to display a message according to the gaming state or a design that gives the player an interest by using this multiple display device, a lot of design patterns are required due to its configuration, and the message And a display area sufficient for visually recognizing symbols is required, and the space occupied by such a multiple display device becomes large. Therefore, such a multiple display device is arranged on a game board surface having a region where a game ball rolls. You can't do that.

  Alternatively, even in a multiplex display device configured to be able to display simple symbols and messages, a large number of design patterns are arranged in an overlapping manner, and each display unit ( Because the design and message are colorless and transparent, even if the design pattern to be displayed is illuminated by light from the light source on the back (whether light of red, blue or green), this light should be displayed It passes through the colorless and transparent display part of the pattern, and as a result, a part of the plurality of design patterns are displayed in an overlapping manner, the design pattern to be displayed is not selected, and the visibility for the design pattern to be displayed is reduced. become.

  In addition, from the viewpoint of reuse and cost reduction, there is a demand for sharing parts among a plurality of different models. When sharing parts, the design pattern in the prior art is limited to the display content that is commonly used among multiple models, so the displayed information is also kept in a simple content, reducing costs. I can not cope.

  Therefore, the multiplex display device configured as described above is not suitable for a gaming machine that is required to display detailed information.

  In view of the above, an object of the present invention is to provide a gaming machine provided with notifying means that can solve the above-described problems and can accurately notify game information without reducing visibility.

  According to the first aspect of the present invention, on the condition that a predetermined condition is established, a variable winning ball device that opens the opening / closing member and makes it possible to win a game ball, and the variable winning ball device makes it possible to win a game ball. In a gaming machine comprising notification means for notifying game information in relation to the game information, and a main control unit for controlling the notification means and the variable winning ball apparatus, the notification means includes a plurality of light sources, and a plurality of the plurality of light sources. A design part arranged corresponding to each of the light sources and showing the game information, and configured to be able to notify the game information by irradiating the design part with the light source, and the main control part Controls the variable winning ball apparatus by varying the number of times of opening and closing the opening / closing member according to the predetermined condition established, and among the plurality of light sources according to the number of times of opening / closing of the opening / closing member. Select the light source to light As well as, and controlling said notification means so as to light the selected light source.

  According to the first aspect of the present invention, there is provided image display control means for displaying whether or not the predetermined condition is satisfied according to a control command signal from a main control unit, and performing control for displaying a game information image corresponding to the game information. The main control unit can include a control command for displaying a game information image corresponding to the game information on the image display control unit in response to the control of the notification unit for reporting the game information. A signal is transmitted, and the image display control means can perform control to display the game information image according to the control command signal.

  In the invention of claim 1, the notifying means determines that the main control unit makes a transition from a normal state to an advantageous state that gives the predetermined game value, and the advantageous effect of the one variable winning ball apparatus is When the transition to the state is determined, the one light source associated with the one variable winning ball device is turned on, and then the other light source is turned on and off in a predetermined number of rounds. When the variable winning ball apparatus returns to the normal state, the one light source may be turned off.

  In the invention of claim 1, when the main control unit determines the transition to the advantageous state, the sub-control unit indicates that the effect symbol display means has the transition to the advantageous state, and the maximum round. The number of times can be displayed on the screen, and thereafter, the cumulative number of rounds can be displayed on the screen in each round.

  In the invention of claim 1, when the transition to the advantageous state is determined, the main control unit indicates that there has been a transition to the advantageous state and the maximum round of the variable winning ball apparatus that transitions to the advantageous state. A notice designation command for displaying the number of times on the screen can be generated, and the notice designation command can be transmitted to the sub-control unit at the next interruption.

  In the invention according to claim 1, the notification means is provided on a carrier having two display portions that are transmissive to light source light and impermeable to external light, and the two light sources respectively provide the two display portions. It can be a round indicator with two LEDs that illuminate independently without interference.

  According to the invention of claim 1, since the game information can be visually recognized when the design portion is irradiated, a gaming machine capable of accurately informing the game information with a simple configuration can be provided.

  According to the invention of claim 2, since the image display is also performed in correspondence with the simple game information by the notification means without increasing the control burden of the main control unit, it is said that the player wants to grasp the game state more accurately. It is possible to provide a gaming machine that can support a player.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

<First Embodiment>
(Device configuration)
FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a front view of a gaming machine 100 according to the present embodiment. In FIG. 1, a gaming machine 100 includes a gaming board 101 for attaching a gaming machine accessory, a special symbol display device 102, an effect symbol display device 103, and a starting winning port 104 which is one of two starting winning ports. , Normal symbol display device operation gate (left) 105, Normal symbol display device operation gate (right) 106, Normal symbol display device 107, Another electric starter which is also a starting winning prize (Tulip) 108, Upper University prize opening The first variable winning ball device 109 having a second variable winning ball device 110 having a lower prize opening, a gaming machine handle 111, a special symbol operation memory display lamp (holding lamp) 112, a normal symbol operation memory display lamp ( A holding lamp) 113, a status notification indicator 121, and the like.

  Examples of the special symbol display device 102 include a variable display device such as a liquid crystal display or a CRT (Cathode Ray Tube) display, a 7-segment LED (Light Emitting Diode), a dot matrix display device, and the like. The design is variably displayed. A case where the stop symbol of the special symbol display device 102 is a combination of predetermined specific symbols, that is, a case where a predetermined condition is satisfied is called a “special prize”. The special symbol display device 102 is a two-digit 7-segment LED. Here, the special prize is a point at which the game is switched from an ordinary state to an advantageous state (a big hit action or a big hit) that gives a predetermined game value such as paying out a large number of prize balls to the player.

  The production symbol display device 103 includes, for example, a variable display device such as a liquid crystal display or a CRT display, a 7-segment LED, a dot matrix display device, a drum variably displayed by the rotation of a motor, and the like. Is displayed in a variable manner. As will be described in detail later, a display control unit that controls the effect symbol display device 103 as an image display control means includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a program ROM (Read Only Memory), a RAM (Random Access Memory), and image processing. LSI (hereinafter referred to as “VDP (Video Display Processor)”), character ROM, video RAM, and the like. In the present embodiment, the effect symbol display device 103 has a variable display device capable of displaying an image such as a background and a plurality of symbols as a moving image. In the present embodiment, a gaming machine capable of displaying various effect symbols on the effect symbol display device 103 is assumed.

  When the game ball launched by the player wins, the start winning opening 104 detects a winning by generating a start signal of an internal special symbol start switch, and gives an opportunity for the symbol change of the special symbol display device 102. The variation display of the special symbol of the special symbol display device 102 and the effect symbol of the effect symbol display device 103 is stopped after a predetermined variation time elapses, and the lottery result is notified and the effect is performed.

  The normal symbol display device operation gate (left) 105 and the normal symbol display device operation gate (right) 106 pass through the ball generated by the activation of the internal normal symbol operation switch when a game ball launched by the player passes. Is detected, and a normal symbol change trigger of the normal symbol display device 107 is given.

  The normal symbol display device 107 variably displays a normal symbol with a 7-segment LED or the like. The ordinary electric accessory 108 is opened when the ordinary symbol display device 107 stops displaying a specific ordinary symbol (small hit), and promotes winning to the start winning opening 104. In other words, the game ball that has entered the ordinary electric accessory 108 generates a start signal for the start switch on the back surface as in the case of the start winning opening 104 described above, and gives an opportunity for symbol variation of the special symbol display device 102. As described above, in the present embodiment, when the game ball wins either the start winning opening 104 or the ordinary electric accessory 108, the variation of the special symbol is started.

  The first variable winning ball device 109 and the second variable winning ball device 110, as an example when the predetermined condition is satisfied, the stop symbol of the special symbol display device 102 is a combination of a predetermined specific symbol, That is, when a special prize is won, in the subsequent jackpot operation, the up-and-down opening / closing member 114 of the first variable winning ball apparatus 109 and the up-and-down opening / closing member 115 of the second variable winning ball apparatus 110 are changed. One of them performs opening and closing operations. Which opening / closing member is opened is determined by the lottery result of the built-in program.

  During the big hitting operation, one of the opening / closing members 114 and 115 falls forward in the drawing, and the first variable winning ball device 109 or the second variable winning ball device 110 that receives a winning game ball is opened (hereinafter referred to as the winning ball ball device 110). The opening related to the first variable winning ball apparatus 109 is referred to as “opening the upper prize winning opening”, and the opening related to the second variable winning ball apparatus 110 is referred to as “opening the lower winning prize opening”). Accept a lot of game balls. When a game ball wins the first variable winning ball device 109 or the second variable winning ball device 110, the large winning opening switch inside the first variable winning ball device 109 or the second variable winning ball device 110 is activated. When the signal is generated, the gaming machine grasps the number of winning balls to the first variable winning ball device 109 or the second variable winning ball device 110, and triggers for paying out the winning ball (save ball, safe ball) accompanying the winning. Is given. The opening of the first variable winning ball device 109 or the second variable winning ball device 110 is a predetermined time (for example, 30 seconds. In the present embodiment, the two maximum winning holes have the same maximum opening time. This is continued until a predetermined number (a predetermined winning prize winning number) of game balls wins the first variable winning ball device 109 or the second variable winning ball device 110. This single opening is called a round.

  The gaming machine handle 111 has a touch sensor on its surface and is provided with a stop button (stop firing) 116. The touch sensor detects that the player has gripped the gaming machine handle 111, and in this state the gaming machine When the variable resistor inside the gaming machine handle 111 detects that the handle 111 is rotated clockwise 117 or counterclockwise 118, the ball launching device is given an opportunity to continuously launch gaming balls. The player turns the gaming machine handle 111 clockwise 117 or counterclockwise 118 to adjust the launching route of the game ball launched onto the game board 101. Further, when the player presses the stop button 116, the launching of the game ball of the ball launcher is stopped.

  The special symbol operation memory indicator lamp 112 stores information on each ball that has won the start winning opening 104 or the ordinary electric accessory 108 during the variation of the special symbol, in a holding memory for each ball in the RAM of the main control unit described later. It lights up in conjunction with the storage (hereinafter referred to as “ball hold”), and notifies the number of times that the symbol (special symbol) can be continuously varied. Also, the winning ball to the start winning port 104 that is the target of the holding of the ball is referred to as “holding ball”.

  The normal symbol operation memory indicator lamp 113 stores information on each sphere that has passed through the normal symbol operation gate (left) 105 or the normal symbol operation gate (right) 106 during the change of the normal symbol in each RAM on the main control unit. Lights in conjunction with storing in the holding memory for each ball, and notifies the number of times that the symbol (ordinary symbol) can be continuously varied. Note that the start memory can be displayed on the effect symbol display device 103 like the effect symbol corresponding to the special symbol.

  The gaming machine 100 can also include a shortening switch (not shown) that is an optical touch sensor attached to the gaming board 101. The objects, shortening switches, nails, etc. installed on the game board 101 are covered with a glass plate, and a game ball with a space secured between the glass plate and the game board 101 falls. To go. When the special symbol display device 102 or the effect symbol display device 103 displays the special symbol or effect symbol in a variable manner, if the player holds his / her hand over the shortening switch via the glass plate, the shortening switch that detects this generates an activation signal. In addition, the variable display of the special symbol display device 102 and the effect symbol display device 103 can be stopped immediately or shortened and stopped.

  FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of a general gaming system including the gaming machine 100, the information display device 201, the hall computer 202, and the out-ball detection device 203. The information display device 201 is, for example, a display device installed in the upper part of the gaming machine 100, and notifies the player of the gaming state by a lamp, a screen, or the like according to a signal from the gaming machine 100 and an instruction from the hall computer 202. To do. The information display device 201 may apply a well-known game hall information disclosure system. For example, as the display of game status (game data disclosure), for example, the number of symbol rotations, the number of jackpots, the number of balls played, the difference ball, the total number of games And the like, and further capable of collecting personal data of the player are known. As the information disclosure system, various products such as Heiwa no Yobidas (trademark) are well known, and therefore the description of the control circuit is omitted.

  The hall computer 202 collects operational status data from each gaming machine 100 and the like, collects output from each out ball detection device 203, and manages the operation of the game hall. Alternatively, the gaming state of each information display device 201 is notified. Since the hall computer 202 is a well-known hall computer used in a game hall, its control circuit configuration is omitted.

  The out ball detection device 203 is installed inside an island facility composed of a gaming machine installation facility and a gaming ball supply system. A gaming ball discharged from the gaming machine through a gaming board surface (a game ball that has been launched, The ball is also detected) and an out ball detection signal is transmitted to the hall computer 202. Since the structure and control circuit configuration of the out-ball detecting device 203 are well known to those skilled in the art, description thereof will be omitted.

  FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating an embodiment of the control unit 300 in the gaming machine 100. As shown in the figure, the control unit 300 mainly includes a main control unit 310, a sub control unit 340, and a display control unit 370. Due to fraud prevention and legal restrictions, each control unit is usually mounted on a separate board for each function, and can be connected directly or indirectly to transmit in both directions or in one direction. The main control unit 310 controls the entire game by transmitting a control command signal (hereinafter referred to as “command”) in accordance with a random number generated internally based on detection of a game ball by winning at the start winning opening. In addition, the special symbol display device 102 is directly controlled. The sub-control unit 340 transmits a command (second command) for controlling the display control unit 370 according to the command (first command) transmitted from the main control unit 310, and is provided in the game area or the like. Control of blinking lamps, control of sound output from the speaker of the gaming machine, and control of moving objects for effects such as character figures provided in the game area and the like by controlling the rotation of the motor. The display control unit 370 controls the effect symbol display device 103 such as a liquid crystal display device in accordance with a command transmitted from the sub control unit 340. As a result, the effect symbol display device 103 can display whether or not a special prize is established, that is, whether or not a predetermined condition is established, in the same manner as the special symbol display device 102.

  Next, each configuration / function of the main control unit 310, the sub control unit 340, and the display control unit 370 will be described in detail.

(Configuration and function of main controller)
FIG. 4 is a schematic block diagram showing the internal configuration of the main control unit 310. The main control unit 310 includes a CPU 422, a ROM 420, a RAM 424, an upper prize winning solenoid output port 472, a lower prize winning solenoid output port 474, an ordinary electric accessory solenoid output port 430, a special symbol display output port 432, and an ordinary symbol display. Output port 434, special symbol operation memory indicator light port 436, normal symbol operation memory indicator light port 438, sub-control command output port (send design symbol designation command, variation pattern command, etc.) 440, payout control command An output port 442, an external information output port 444, round display output ports 476 and 478, and an input port 426 are provided.

  An effect symbol designation command (first command) is a command for designating a stop symbol of an effect symbol displayed on the effect symbol display device 103, and a variation pattern command (first command) is an effect symbol display device. This is a command for designating the mode of screen fluctuation such as reach, disappointment, special prize, etc. displayed in 103. Here, “reach” uses a plurality of symbols (usually three columns), stops two symbol columns first, and the display result that has already been stopped is the winning combination of symbols (same symbol). This is a display state that satisfies the condition of a combination of symbols), and an effect that gives expectation to the stop of the final stop symbol.

  After that, the stop display of the remaining one row of symbols means an effect that has the expectation that a combination of winning symbols of the same symbol in 3 columns (a combination of jackpot symbols) will be completed.

  The main control unit 310 receives various switches (a special symbol start switch 410, a normal symbol operation switch 412, an upper prize port switch 414 as a game ball detection means, a lower major prize port switch 415, a specific area, and the like through an input port 426. Data is input from the switch 416 and other switches 418) and processed. The main control unit 310 is connected to the special symbol display device 102, the special symbol operation memory indicator lamp (holding lamp) 112, the normal symbol display device 103, the normal symbol operation memory indicator lamp (holding lamp) via the output ports 430 to 438, 444. ) 113, the status notification display 121, the upper and lower prize winning solenoids 446 and 447, the ordinary electric accessory solenoid 448, and the external information output unit 454 are directly controlled.

  On the other hand, the main control unit 310 also transmits a sub control command (such as a design symbol designation command and a variation pattern command) to the sub control unit 340 to control the sub control unit 340 by command transmission. Further, the main control unit 310 transmits a command to the payout control unit 450 to perform payout control of prize balls. Details of direct control of the special symbol display device 102 by the main control unit 310 and control by command transmission to the sub control unit 340 according to the present embodiment will be described later.

  Next, various switches input by the main control unit 310 via the input port, components of the main control unit 310, and control targets of the main control unit will be described in detail. The special symbol start switch 410 generates an activation signal when a game ball that is launched by the player and wins the start winning opening 104 passes through this switch to detect the winning, and triggers the symbol variation of the special symbol display device 102. give.

  The normal symbol operation switch 412 is activated when a game ball which has been launched by a player and has passed through the normal symbol display device operation gate (left) 105 and the normal symbol display device operation gate (right) 106 passes this switch. Occurs, and gives an opportunity to change the normal symbol of the normal symbol display device 107. When the upper prize winning switch 414 and the lower prize winning switch 415 are special prizes, the game balls that have won the first variable winning ball device 109 and the second variable winning ball device 110 in the subsequent jackpot operation are displayed. An activation signal is generated when the switch passes, and the main control unit 310 detects a winning of a game ball.

  The specific area switch 416 generates an activation signal when a game ball that has passed the specific area passes through this switch while the first variable winning ball apparatus 109 or the second variable winning ball apparatus 110 is opened, and the main control unit 310 detects the generation of the right of the next round.

  As the other switch 418, an activation signal is sent when a game ball that has won a prize other than the start winning opening 104, the first variable winning ball apparatus 109, and the second variable winning ball apparatus 110 passes this switch. The main control unit 310 detects a winning of a game ball.

  The CPU 422 is a circuit that controls the entire main control unit, and the ROM 420 stores a program for controlling a gaming machine executed on the main control unit 310. Specifically, the ROM 420 stores a game control program that is executed according to the flowcharts shown in FIGS. 7 and 10 to 17 that define the contents of the game control process performed by the CPU 422 of the main control unit 310. The ROM 420 further stores values of various parameters for controlling the gaming machine including the effect symbol designation command for instructing the sub-control unit 340 and the variation pattern command. The RAM 424 temporarily stores input / output data for the main control unit 310, data for arithmetic processing, various counters including a random number counter related to the game, and the like, and has a holding memory for storing information of each holding ball. .

  The special symbol display device 102 displays special symbols such as a plurality of numbers and figures, and the normal symbol display device 107 displays normal symbols such as a plurality of numbers and graphics. The special symbol operation memory indicator lamp (holding lamp) 112 notifies the number of times that the special symbol can be continuously changed. The normal symbol operation memory display lamp (holding lamp) 113 notifies the number of times that the normal symbol can be continuously changed.

  The upper and lower big prize opening solenoids 446, 447 are one of the components inside the first variable winning ball apparatus 109 and the second variable winning ball apparatus 110. The opening / closing members 114 and 115 attached to the front surfaces of the first variable winning ball device 109 and the second variable winning ball device 110 are selectively opened based on an instruction from the main control unit 310.

  When the normal symbol display device 107 stops displaying the small hit normal symbol, the normal electric accessory solenoid 448 opens the normal electric accessory 108 based on an instruction from the main control unit 310. When the payout control unit 450 receives a payout control command from the main control unit 310 and a special symbol start switch 410, an upper big prize port switch 414, a lower big prize port switch 415, other switches 418, etc., a prize is detected. Instruct the prize ball payout device 452 to pay out the prize ball.

  The external information output unit 454 is a board for providing information from the CPU 422 of the main control unit 310 to the outside (information display device 201, hall computer 202, etc.). The hall computer 202 and the information display device 201 are electrically connected to the gaming machine via an external information output unit 454 of the gaming machine. The CPU of the main control unit 310 receives information (signals) that knows the stop of symbol variation, the jackpot state, the probability variation state, etc. via the external information output unit 454, for example, jackpot signal, winning number signal, start signal, probability variation signal , Output a short time signal or an open signal to an external device.

  The round indicator 462 includes a round display LED (left) 462L and a round display LED (right) 462R as light sources, and the main control unit 310 controls turning on and off. Details of this control will be described later.

(Configuration and function of sub-control unit)
FIG. 5 is a schematic block diagram showing the internal configuration of the sub-control unit 340 (functioning as a part of the image display control means). Similar to the main control unit 310, the sub control unit 340 includes a CPU 514, a RAM 512, a ROM 510, various input ports 516, and various output ports 518. The sub-control unit 340 receives a sub-control command (production symbol designation command or the like) transmitted from the main control unit 310 in particular, and creates a liquid crystal display command (second command) according to the production symbol designation command. To the display control unit 370. Further, the sub-control unit 340 performs blinking control of the lamp display device 520, generation control of the sound effect output from the sound effect generation device 522, control of the effect movable object 524, and the like. As described above, the sub-control unit 340 uses the lamp display device 520, the sound effect generator 522, and the effect movable object 524 as effects control objects, such as liquid crystal display, lamp lighting, sound effect generation, and movable object control. By specially performing control related to the production, it is useful for reducing the load on the main control unit 310.

  Further, when the sub-control unit 340 receives a variation pattern command (command ID: A0H (H represents a hexadecimal number) or A1H) and an effect symbol designation command (command ID: B1H), the notice designation command (command ID) : 95H to 98H) and transmitted to the display control unit 370. Here, the notice designation command is a command for designating a display for notifying the player of the occurrence of a jackpot or reach. FIG. 19 shows an example of the relationship between the contents of the notice designation command (command ID value and EVENT value) and the display contents (forecast contents). The notice designation commands having command ID values of 95H, 96H, and 97H are commands for designating notice effects that are performed when most of the variation patterns are selected. The notice designation command having a command ID value of 98H is a command for designating a notice effect to be performed when a specific variation pattern (reach pattern) is selected. The reason why the command ID values are different is that the command ID values may overlap depending on the variation pattern command.

  The lamp display device 520 is a display device for lamps related to the game, and selectively turns on / off a plurality of lamps according to an instruction from the sub-control unit 340. The sound effect generator 522 generates sound related to the game. The movable object 524 is a character figure or the like provided in a game area or the like whose rotation is controlled by a motor or the like.

  The sub control unit 340 receives an input from the effect changeover switch 120. By operating the effect changeover switch 120, the player can display a favorite effect screen on the effect symbol display device 103, and can control the operation of the effect movable object 524. In this way, the player can participate in the effect surface of the gaming machine by operating the effect changeover switch 120.

(Configuration and function of display control unit)
FIG. 6 is a schematic block diagram showing the internal configuration of the display control unit (image display control means) 370.

  In particular, the display control unit 370 receives the liquid crystal display command (second command) transmitted from the sub-control unit 340, and fluctuates and stops the effect design of the effect design display device 103 according to the liquid crystal display command. Alternatively, it has a function of receiving a notice designation command and displaying a notice. That is, it is configured to be able to display an image related to whether or not the predetermined condition is satisfied and whether or not the variable winning ball apparatus is opened and the gaming ball can be won. Hereinafter, a case of a liquid crystal display command will be described.

  Referring to FIG. 6, the control circuit configuration of the display control unit 370 of this embodiment includes an input port 618 that receives a second command, a CPU 620, a program ROM 610, a RAM 612, a VDP 622, a character ROM 616, a video RAM 614, and an output port 624. Have. The input port 618 receives a liquid crystal display command from the sub-control unit 340 and passes it to the CPU 620. The CPU 620 performs image processing and image display control according to the program stored in the program ROM 610. The program ROM 610 stores a program for image processing executed by the CPU 620, and specifically stores an image display control program that defines the contents of image display control performed by the CPU 620.

  Further, the program ROM 620 stores VDP 622 control data to be mapped and written in the data register of the VDP 622, values of various parameters for controlling image display, and the like. The RAM 612 temporarily stores input / output data for the CPU 620 and data for arithmetic processing, and functions as a work area and a buffer memory. The VDP 622 develops image data such as sprite / scroll for display on the effect symbol display device 103 in accordance with the symbol update instruction from the CPU 620 in the video RAM 614, and effects symbol display via the output port 624 in accordance with the output instruction from the CPU 620. Image data is output and displayed in the display area of the device 103. The effect symbol display device 103 is an LCD, a CRT display, or the like, and visually displays a video signal of an image output from the VDP 622.

  For display control, a color palette (hereinafter referred to as “palette”) in which a plurality of specific color data are arranged and set is often used. The VDP 622 includes four palettes that define 256 colors, processes four layers, and performs image processing by associating one palette with each layer. The VDP 622 synthesizes image data set for each of the four layers in accordance with an output instruction from the CPU 620, and outputs the synthesized image data to the effect symbol display device 103 for display.

  Specifically, the VDP 622 converts the image data into color data based on the color data of the palette specified by the image data on the video RAM 614, and the color data is converted into analog RGB video signals as the effect symbol display device 103. Output to and display. The image data here includes an index (array number) for the palette.

  The VDP 622 of the present embodiment has a specification for controlling each of R, G, B, and I (intensity) per pixel by 8 bits of 3 bits, and 4096 colors (= 8 × 8 × 8 × 8). Have the ability to handle Since the VDP 622 performs image processing by associating palettes capable of setting 256 colors with each of the four layers, and displays 1024 colors (= 256 colors × 4 layers) on the effect symbol display device 103. Is possible.

  The character ROM 616 stores image data such as sprite / scroll that the VDP 622 that has received an instruction from the CPU 620 expands in the video RAM 614. Also, four pallet data to be set in the four pallets built in the VDP 622 are stored. Further, the image data is compressed by run length encoding, predictive encoding, Huffman encoding, and other known compression techniques, and is stored in the character ROM 616. Note that the image displayed in the case of a big win differs depending on the number of rounds, but in the same round, the same is true both when the upper big prize opening is opened and when the lower big prize opening is opened. It has become a thing.

  In the video RAM 614, the image data to be output in the display area of the effect symbol display device 103 is developed and temporarily stored by the VDP 622. In this embodiment, the image data set for each of the four layers is temporarily stored in the video RAM 614, and the four layers of image data are combined by the screen buffer on the video RAM 614 to generate combined image data.

(Game control processing procedure by the main control unit)
Next, the main procedure of the game control process executed by the CPU 422 of the main control unit 310 will be described. Processing related to the above-described operation of the gaming machine of this embodiment is performed according to the processing procedure shown in the flowchart of FIG. The process shown in FIG. 7 is a game control interrupt process performed when the CPU 422 of the main control unit 310 reads and executes a game control program stored in the ROM 420.

  In this process, two types of interrupt processing routines are started in parallel every first interrupt period (for example, 4 msec) and second interrupt period (for example, 2 msec) shorter than the first interrupt period. Yes. Note that it is possible to perform interrupt processing for each third predetermined period, interrupt processing for each fourth predetermined period, or the like so that the interrupt processing cycles do not overlap as necessary. In FIG. 7, when the gaming machine is turned on, the main control unit 310 clears the RAM 424 and performs initial setting (S710), and then sends an initial command (for example, RAM clear processing) to the sub control unit 340. , Initial symbol determination processing, etc. In addition, when there is a power-off state, power-return processing is also included) (S712), and instructions for initial settings related to images, lamps, sounds, games, etc. are given. .

  First, the first interrupt process related to game control for each first interrupt period (for example, 4 msec) will be described. In the command output management process (S714), the main control unit 310 creates a variation pattern command and an effect symbol designation command (first design) created in the special game management process (S716) described later and set in the command storage area of the RAM 424. Command) is transmitted to the sub-control unit 340. First, it is determined whether there is a command to be transmitted. If it is determined that there is a command to be transmitted, the command is transmitted to the sub-control unit 340. On the other hand, if it is determined that there is no command to be transmitted, the process is terminated.

  Receiving the effect symbol designation command and the variation pattern command, the sub-control unit 340 transmits a liquid crystal display command to the display control unit 370. Upon receiving this liquid crystal display command, the display control unit 370 controls the effect design of the effect design display device 103 for a predetermined change time, and then stops at the design specified by the liquid crystal display command. Here, the contents of the effect designating command and the liquid crystal display command will be described using a table.

  FIG. 8 shows contents such as a command (effect designating command) transmitted from the main control unit 310 to the sub-control unit 340, a command (liquid crystal display command) transmitted from the sub-control unit receiving each command to the display control unit, and the like. It is a figure which shows as a table | surface. These commands are composed of an 8-bit byte command ID field for grasping the gaming state, and an 8-bit byte EVENT field for identifying a specific type of control information in the gaming state in the identified gaming state. It is a configured 2-byte command.

  The command ID field of the effect designating command is all B1H, and the EVENT field is one of eleven values from 00H to 0AH. In the liquid crystal design designation command, the command ID field is B2H or B1H, and the EVENT field is one of 00H to 09H. As can be seen from FIG. 8, regarding the special effect symbols 0 to 9 at the time of determining the jackpot, the value of the EVENT field of the effect symbol designating command and the value of the EVENT field of the liquid crystal display command are the same.

  Therefore, for example, when the special effect symbol 7 at the time of determining the jackpot is designated, the main control unit transmits an effect symbol designation command (command ID: B1H, EVENT: 07H) to the sub-control unit 340. The sub-control unit 340 that has received the symbol designation command transmits a liquid crystal display command (command ID: B2H, EVENT: 07H) to the display control unit 370. Upon receiving this liquid crystal display command, the display control unit 370 stops and displays the effect symbol that is being variably displayed on the effect symbol display device 103 in a combination of “777”.

  On the other hand, with regard to the special effect design 10 designation at the time of determining the deviation, the production design designation command is B1H + 0AH, and the liquid crystal display command is B1H + 00H. According to this liquid crystal display command, the effect design is stopped and displayed in a combination of deviations. Is done.

  Next, in the special game management process (S716), the main control unit 310 performs control related to the game such as symbol variation and accessory control. At the start of the change of the special symbol due to the reserved or reserved use of the winning ball or the holding ball at the starting winning port 104, the reach random number read from the reach random number loop counter on the RAM 424, the symbol random number read from the symbol random number loop counter, or the starting winning port Based on the jackpot random number of the winning ball to 104 or the jackpot random number stored in the holding memory of the holding ball, the main control unit 310 performs the variation pattern command, the production symbol designation command, and the special symbol (left). And special symbols (right) stop symbols and the like are set in the command storage area of the RAM 424. Note that the design of the design symbol designation command has already been described in relation to the command output management process (S714).

  The main control unit 310 instructs the upper and lower big prize opening operation solenoids 446 and 447 to open the first variable winning ball apparatus 109 or the second variable winning ball apparatus 110 for a predetermined time during the big hitting operation. The big winning opening opening data and the big winning opening closing data are stored in a predetermined area on the RAM 424. Further, the main control unit 310 controls variation of the special symbol (left) and the special symbol (right) for a predetermined variation time via the special symbol display output port 432, and stores the special symbol (left) stored in the RAM 424. ) And special symbols (right). Each stop symbol is displayed on a special symbol display device 102 having two digits and seven segments.

  In this way, in step S716, the main control unit 310 does not control the special symbol by transmitting a special symbol designation command to another control unit, but displays the special symbol via the special symbol display output port 432. Control device 102 directly. Here, the direct control refers to a process of changing the special symbol by sending a control signal relating to display driving directly from the special symbol display output port of the main control unit 310 to the special symbol display device 102. For example, a signal (command) from a CPU is directly sent without judgment by another CPU, or control is performed without a time delay (time lag) due to an interrupt or the like.

  Here, FIG. 9 is a table showing the relationship between the special symbol and the effect symbol in the case of jackpot and loss. As shown in FIG. 9, for example, when the jackpot random number is a jackpot, when the jackpot symbol random number (100 patterns from 0 to 99) acquired from the jackpot symbol random number loop counter is “3”, the main control unit 310 is special. “03” is displayed as a special symbol on the symbol display device 102. Then, as shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, the main control unit 310 includes an effect designating command (command ID value is B1H) including the value 07H corresponding to the special symbol “03” as the EVENT value. Send to. Subsequently, the sub control unit 340 transmits a liquid crystal display command (command ID value is B2H) including 07H as the EVENT value to the display control unit 370. Receiving the command for liquid crystal display, the display control unit 370 stops the effect symbol that is being variably displayed on the effect symbol display device 103 by the combination of “777”.

  On the other hand, when the jackpot random number is lost, when the lost symbol random number (21 types from 0 to 20) acquired from the lost special symbol random number loop counter is “1”, the main control unit 310 applies a special symbol to the special symbol display device 102. As a symbol, “−1” (the symbol “−1” is a hyphen, and the same applies to special symbols hereinafter) is displayed. Then, main controller 310 transmits an effect symbol designation command (command ID: B1H) in which 0AH corresponding to special symbol “−1” is included in the EVENT field to sub controller 340. Next, the sub-control unit 340 transmits a liquid crystal display command (command ID: B1H, EVENT: 00H) to the display control unit 370. The display control unit 370 that has received this liquid crystal display command displays the effect symbol that is changing in the effect symbol display device 103 as an outlier corresponding to the change pattern command received from the main control unit 310 via the sub-control unit 340. Stop. The opening / closing process of the special winning opening in the special game management process will be described later.

  Next, the normal game management process (S718) will be described. When the variation of the normal symbol is started by passing the game ball of the normal symbol display device operation gate (left) 105 (or the normal symbol display device operation gate (right) 106), the main control is performed based on the small hit random number on the RAM 424. The normal symbol stop symbol data and the like are prepared by the unit 310. This process is performed when it is determined that the normal symbol change is started while the main control unit 310 performs the normal game management process.

  In the external information processing (S720), game state information from the main control unit 310 is transmitted to the outside of the gaming machine (mainly the hall computer 202 and the information display device 201) via the external information output unit 454. The main control unit 310 opens or closes the first variable winning ball device 109 and the second variable winning ball device 110 based on the big winning opening opening data or the big winning opening closing data stored in a predetermined area on the RAM 424. To instruct the upper and lower prize winning solenoids 446 and 447 (S721). In the other random number update process (S722), the main control unit 310 updates a random number other than the jackpot random number and the jackpot symbol random number (reach random number, missed symbol random number, etc.).

  Next, an interrupt processing routine for executing a second interrupt process every second interrupt period (for example, 2 msec), that is, a process for performing random number update and switch check will be described. First, in the winning lottery random number updating process (S730), the main control unit 310 increments (+1) the jackpot random number loop counter on the RAM 424 every second interrupt period, thereby winning the jackpot random number and jackpot symbol for the special prize. At the same time as updating the random number, the small hit random number for normal symbols is updated. In the present embodiment, the loop counter means a counter that cyclically updates a value from 0 to a predetermined maximum value.

  Next, in the input process (S732), when the special symbol start switch 410 detects the winning ball to the start winning opening 104, the main control unit 310 reads the big hit random number from the big hit random number loop counter and stores it on the RAM 424. At this time, the special symbol operation memory counter on the RAM 424 is set to 1. When the special symbol start switch 410 detects that the game ball has won the start winning opening 104 during the special symbol change, the main control unit 310 reads the big hit random number and the big hit symbol random number from the big hit random number loop counter, and the RAM 424 Store in the hold memory of the hold ball (hold ball). At this time, the special symbol operation memory counter on the RAM 424 is incremented. In step S732, if the accumulation exceeds a predetermined value, the counter is not incremented (+1). Each time this step is repeatedly executed during the special symbol variation, the value of each jackpot random number is continuously stored in the reserved memory on the RAM 424 for a plurality of reserved balls.

  Further, when the main control unit 310 detects the passing of the game ball of the normal symbol display device operation gate (left) 105 (or the normal symbol display device operation gate (right) 106), the main control unit 310 generates a small hit random number from the small hit random number loop counter. Is stored in the RAM 424. Further, the main control unit 310 detects the winning at the start winning port 104 by the special symbol start switch 410, the first variable winning ball device 109 at the time of the big hit operation by the upper large winning port switch 414 or the lower large winning port switch 415 or Detection of winning in the second variable winning ball device 110, and detection of winning in other winning ports other than the start winning port 104, the first variable winning ball device 109, and the second variable winning ball device 110 by the switch 418. The result is stored on the RAM 424. In particular, when a winning is detected in the first variable winning ball device 109 and the second variable winning ball device 110, the main control unit 310 also increments (+1) the big winning opening counter on the RAM 424. Note that the counter is controlled so as not to be incremented (+1) except during the big hit (that is, in the normal state) (however, award balls are paid out). Note that the main control unit 310 turns on the V flag on the RAM 424 when the specific area switch 416 detects a game ball that has passed through the specific area.

  In the winning ball payout management process (S734), detection of winning at the starting winning hole 104 by the special symbol start switch 410 stored in the RAM 424 in the input process (S732), the upper prize winning port switch 414, the lower prize winning port switch 415 , Winning detection to the first variable winning ball device 109 and the second variable winning ball device 110 at the time of the jackpot operation, and the start winning opening 104 by the switch 418, the first variable winning ball device 109, the second variable winning game For each result of the winning detection to other winning ports other than the ball device 110, the main control unit 310 displays the number of payout balls corresponding to each preset number of winning balls in a predetermined area on the RAM 424. Remember.

  The main control unit 310 instructs the prize ball payout device 452 to pay out a prize ball by a command output based on the number of prize balls paid out stored in the RAM 424.

(Details of special game management process: control of the big prize opening (variable winning ball device))
FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing the special game management process in step S716 (FIG. 7) in more detail. The special game management process is executed by combining several processes, details of which will be described later with reference to FIGS. Therefore, the special game management process is performed in the entire process shown in FIGS.

  As described above, in each process of the present embodiment, the program, including this special game management process, performs a loop operation while checking the status (operation state information) until a change in a predetermined state occurs. When the change occurs, a predetermined process is performed and the contents are stored in a predetermined area, and the process returns to the loop after waiting for the next process to be executed. Similarly, in the next process, the status is checked and the process is continued in accordance with the status.

  This process will be described with reference to FIG. 10. Each process to be specifically executed (in FIG. 10, special symbol variation start waiting processing (S1003), special symbol variation processing (S1004), special symbol stop display processing) (S1005), special electric accessory start process (S1006), special electric accessory release process (S1007), special electric accessory closing process (S1008), special electric accessory end weight process (S1009)) are designated. A special game management status (hereinafter referred to as “special status”) is set in the process before the process, and is distributed to the process specified in step S1001.

  That is, in the flow of FIG. 10, first, the special status is checked to determine the jump destination address (S1001), and the process jumps to each process (S1102). Next, the process indicated by the determined address destination is executed.

  Specifically, when the special status is 0, a special symbol variation start waiting process is performed (S1003). Details of this processing will be described later with reference to FIGS.

  When the special status is 1, the determined special symbol is variably displayed, the special status is set to 2 (S1004), and after a predetermined condition, for example, a certain time has elapsed, the special symbol is stopped and the predetermined display is performed. If it is a big hit, the special status is set to 3. If it is off, the special status is returned to 0 (S1005).

  When the special status is 3, processing for preparing for opening the opening / closing member (large winning opening) of the variable winning ball apparatus is executed (S1006), and the special status is set to 4 (see FIG. 14 for details). In actuality, one of the special winning openings is opened (S1007), and the special status is set to 5 (details will be described later with reference to FIG. 15).

  When the special status is 5, the special winning opening is closed (S1008), the special status is set to 6 (details will be described later with reference to FIG. 16), and the above process end weight process (S1009) is performed. (Details will be described later with reference to FIG. 17).

  The overall processing of the special game management process has been described above with reference to FIG. 10. Next, with reference to FIGS. 11 to 13, the special symbol variation start waiting process (S1003) according to the present embodiment will be described. To do. In this process, in step S732, a special symbol to be displayed is determined by detection, and it is determined whether or not it is a big hit, and the information is stored in a predetermined area. Specifically, when a game ball wins the start winning opening 104, the number of winning balls is accumulated in the special symbol operation memory counter as described in step S732 (that is, when the counter is 0). This means that the player has not won, and if it is not 0, it means that the player has won at least once.Normally, this counter is subtracted every time this process is performed.) , 01H is set in the jackpot flag area on the RAM, and the jackpot symbol random number is stored in the jackpot random number loop counter.

  Referring to FIG. 11 showing step S1003, first, a special symbol operation memory counter is loaded and checked (S1101, 1102). If the special symbol operation memory counter is 0 as a result of the check, the symbol is not changed, the processing for setting the customer waiting state is performed, and the processing returns to the normal processing (S1103, 1104). When it is determined in step S1103 that the counter is not 0, the storage area (holding memory) is shifted, the contents of the storage area are read, and it is determined whether or not the big hit is drawn (S1105, 1106).

  First, based on the jackpot random number related to the special symbol variation stored in the RAM 424, the special symbol variation special prize to be started is determined. When the jackpot random number does not match the value of the special prize, the jackpot flag on the RAM 424 is turned OFF, and when it is determined that it matches the value of the special prize, the jackpot flag is turned ON (01H). Further, when the probability variation flag is ON (when probability changes), the number of special prize values for determining a special prize is increased to increase the special prize probability. If the hour / middle flag is ON, the hour / hour variation counter on the RAM 424 is decremented (−1). If the hour / hour variation counter is 0 as a result, the hour / middle flag is turned OFF (S1106).

  After the information required for the special symbol variation is set, the main control unit 310 sets the normal rendering time (seconds) to a predetermined value corresponding to the rendering symbol variation uniquely determined from the variation pattern ID. A special symbol variation timer for monitoring the variation of symbols is set to a normal performance time (seconds). The normal performance time (seconds) is unique for each variation pattern ID, and the number of seconds differs for each variation pattern ID. Based on the above information, the special symbol fluctuation settings in steps S1004 and S1005 are performed as described below, and the special status is changed to 1 by setting the fluctuation start time (S1107 to 1109).

  FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing a detailed procedure of the special symbol variation setting process in step S1107 of FIG. The jackpot flag in the jackpot flag area on the RAM is read (S1201), and the jackpot flag is checked. When the jackpot flag is not 01H, that is, when the jackpot is not a jackpot, the main control unit 310 causes the missing symbol random numbers (21 values from 0 to 20 shown in FIG. 9) to be read from the missing special symbol random number loop counter. Thus, a plurality of symbols to be stopped and displayed on the special symbol display device 102 and a variation pattern to be stopped and displayed on the effect symbol display device 103 are determined. That is, the main control unit 310 determines a special symbol combination for stopping display, a command ID value (B1H) of the effect symbol designation command, and an EVENT value (any one of 00H to 0AH), The data is stored in a predetermined area on the RAM 424 (S1202 to S1204).

  On the other hand, if the jackpot flag is 01H, that is, if it is a jackpot (S1202), a special symbol is determined based on the jackpot symbol random number (100 values from 0 to 99 shown in FIG. 10) read from the jackpot symbol random number loop counter. A plurality of symbols that are stopped and displayed on the display device 102 and a variation pattern that is stopped and displayed on the effect symbol display device 103 are determined (S1205 to 1206).

  FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing in more detail the processing procedure of step S1205 (hit / hit stop symbol determination processing) of FIG. The jackpot symbol random number is read out, and the stop symbol number corresponding to the read jackpot symbol random number is extracted from the table of FIG. 9 and stored in a predetermined area on the RAM 424 (S1301). That is, the main control unit 310 determines the combination of special symbols to be stopped, the command ID value (B1H) of the effect symbol designation command, and the EVENT value (any one of 01H to 09H). (S1301). Similarly, the jackpot symbol random number is read out, the special symbol determination data is determined, and it is determined which one of the plurality of big winning prizes is to be controlled. The determined special symbol determination data is stored in the special symbol determination flag area as a special symbol determination flag (S1302, 1303), and then the process proceeds to step S1206 (FIG. 12). A predetermined value is set as the variation time data of the special symbol together with the stop symbol and the variation pattern (S1206, S1207), and then the present process ends and the process returns to the normal process.

  As a result of this processing, the value of the special symbol variation timer is set, and in step S1004 (FIG. 10), the display varies until this timer times out. In step S1005 (FIG. 10), the jackpot flag is 01H. In the case of a big win, the special status is set to 3, and the special winning opening is opened. On the other hand, if the big win flag is not 01H, that is, if the big win is not a big win, the special status is set to 0 and the special symbol stop display timer is set.

  In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 9, the special symbol determination data takes four types of values from 00H to 03H. As will be described later, the special symbol determination data is any one of 00H to 02H in the case of a big hit. If there is, the upper university prize opening is opened, and if it is 03H, the lower university prize opening is opened. In the present embodiment, 00H to 03H are randomly assigned to the jackpot symbol random number, and the probability that each value appears is almost the same. Therefore, the probability that 00H to 02H appears in the case of a jackpot appears as 03H. It is higher than the probability, and therefore, the probability that the upper prize winning opening is opened is higher than that of the lower prize winning opening.

  FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing in more detail the processing procedure of step S1006 (special electric accessory starting process) in FIG. This step S1006 is a jackpot process after the special status becomes 3 in step S1005.

  The value of the special symbol stop display timer is read to determine whether the timer value is 0, that is, whether it has timed out (S1401, 1402). If it is determined that it has timed out, the special symbol determination flag is checked. (S1404).

  As a result of checking, if the special symbol determination flag is any one of 00H, 01H, and 002H, a command is set as described above (S1403). That is, a command is set for notifying the sub-control unit 340 of the open state of the big prize opening from the main control unit 310. Specifically, 91H is stored as a command ID value in a predetermined area on the RAM 424, and 01H to 06H is stored as a EVENT value in a predetermined area on the RAM 424 according to the current number of rounds.

  When the setting of the command to the sub-control unit 340 is finished, the opening data is set in the output port 472 in order to drive and control the upper prize winning solenoid 446 to open the upper prize winning opening (S1405).

  On the other hand, when the special symbol determination flag is 03H, a command for designating a lower big prize opening is set as in the case of any of 00H to 002H described above (S1407). Specifically, 91H is stored as a command ID value in a predetermined area on the RAM 424, and 21H to 2FH is stored as a EVENT value in a predetermined area on the RAM 424 according to the current number of rounds. Thereafter, in order to open and control the lower major prize opening solenoid 447 to release the lower major prize opening, data for opening is set in the output port 474 (S1406). In any case, the special status is finally set to 4. It is changed (S1408).

  The specific RAM setting at the time of opening will be described. In the present embodiment, mainly as shown in FIG. 18, the opening number designation command for informing at least the number of opening is an effect image display device that displays the effect image indicating the opening of the big prize opening. Therefore, the main control unit 310 stores the corresponding command ID value and EVENT value in a predetermined area of the RAM (see FIG. 6). In each process, S1403 and S1407). For example, in the case of the first opening in the normal production of the upper prize winning opening, the command ID is set to 91H and EVENT is set to 01H, and in order to open the lower prize winning opening, the command ID is set to 91H and EVENT. 21H is set. As shown in FIG. 18, in the case of performing a jackpot effect other than the normal effect, for example, a promotion effect according to the number of rounds, a button effect according to the number of rounds, and various character effects, etc. A dedicated command, that is, a different type of command is handed over to the sub-control unit for display for each special winning opening and the number of rounds.

  As described above, when the special winning opening is prepared for opening, a corresponding command is transmitted from the main control unit 310 to the sub control unit 340 by the output management process (S714) described with reference to FIG. The sub-control unit 340 is informed of whether or not the special winning opening is open, and the sub-control unit 340 performs a predetermined process. That is, the command having the command ID and the EVENT value set in the RAM in steps S1403 and 1407 described above is transmitted from the main control unit 310 to the sub control unit 340.

  For example, as described above, when the command ID is set to 91H and EVENT is set to 01H, the main control unit 310 transmits the corresponding command shown in FIG. Predetermined processing (round display and round image display on the production symbol display device, driving of movable objects such as figures, blinking of lamps, generation of sound effects, etc.) performed at the first opening of the normal production of Is called. On the other hand, when the command ID is set to 91H and EVENT is set to 21H, the main control unit 310 transmits a corresponding command shown in FIG. 18, and the sub-control unit 340 opens the lower big prize opening. Will be recognized.

  The main control unit 310 is partially backed up by a backup power source and the like, and information such as the open state of the big prize opening is also backed up. Even if the sub-control unit etc. does not memorize information such as whether the big prize opening is up or down, or how many times it is opened, before the power is turned off at the time of recovery from an unexpected situation such as power off The production process can be continued.

  In this case, as described above, as shown in FIG. 18, the number-of-releases designation command (first command) is transmitted from the main control unit 310 to the sub control unit 340, and the sub control unit 340 further displays the display control unit (symbol). Commands are transmitted to 370, lamp control (lamp) 520, voice control (sound) 522, and movable object control (motor, solenoid) 524, respectively. As a result, the design fluctuates, the lamp lights up / flashes, and the movable object attached to the board operates to further enhance the effect.

  The display control unit 370 will be described in more detail. When the sub control unit 340 receives the opening number designation command, the sub control unit 340 notifies the display control unit 370 of at least the number of opening times as shown in FIG. 2 command). As a result, the display control unit 370 displays a symbol corresponding to the number of times of opening. As shown in FIG. 18, the second command is used when the upper size winning opening is opened and the lower size winning opening is opened. If they are the same, the commands are of the same type. In other words, the command transmitted at the second opening of the upper prize opening is set with the command ID of 91H and the EVENT value of 02H, whereas the command transmitted at the second opening of the lower prize opening is also The command ID is set to 91H and the EVENT value is set to 02H. Therefore, the symbol displayed by the display control unit 370 differs depending on the number of times the big prize opening is opened, but does not differ depending on whether the big prize opening being opened is the upper side or the lower side. In this way, by using the same command at the top and bottom large winning openings, the types of commands stored in the sub-control means 340 can be reduced, and the storage capacity can be reduced.

  After the special winning opening opening time timer is set (S1405, S1406) and the like as described above, the special status is set to 4, and the special electric accessory opening process (S1007) is performed as shown in FIG. First, it is checked whether or not a predetermined time has elapsed since the grand prize opening was opened (S1501, 1502). If not, the count value of the game balls to be awarded in the big prize opening is a fixed number. When it is not satisfied, the opening is continued (S1503-1509). Specifically, the opening data of the special winning opening is stored in a predetermined RAM (S1506, S1509). In the present embodiment, essentially the same control is performed for the upper and lower big prize openings, but it is not limited to this example.

  Next, in order to close the big prize opening at the end of the opening period (round) of the big prize opening, a closing setting process is performed, and the special status is changed to 5 (S1510, 1511). The opening period (round) of the big winning opening is the end of a predetermined time from the opening of the big winning opening or when a predetermined number of game balls have won. Then, when the closing setting process is performed, as shown in FIG. 7, the special winning opening is closed, and then the closing process is performed. The closing process of the big prize opening will be described with reference to FIG.

  Here, the opening / closing process of the winning a prize opening will be described. As described above, the main control unit 310 determines whether the winning prize opening opening data or the winning prize opening closing data is stored in a predetermined area on the RAM 424. The opening / closing process is performed by instructing the upper and lower large winning opening solenoids 446 and 447 to open or close the first variable winning ball apparatus 109 and the second variable winning ball apparatus 110 (S721).

  FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing the special electric accessory closing process (S1008) when the special status is 5. In this process, after the big prize opening is closed in each round, it is further determined whether to open the next round and continue the next round, or to end the process as it is, and to execute a process corresponding thereto. In other words, the special winning opening closing timer is updated (a predetermined value is subtracted), and as a result, when the timer has not timed out (large winning opening closing timer = 0), the routine returns to the normal procedure. A special electric accessory closing process is performed (S1601 to S1602).

  Referring to FIG. 16, first, it is determined by the special symbol determination flag whether the top or bottom large winning opening has been opened (or opened next) (S1603), and the number of times of opening is the top large winning opening. If it is less than 6 and if it is less than 15 in the case of the lower major prize opening, the same big prize opening is set to be opened in the next round, and the special status is set to 4 (S1604 to 1611). The specific RAM setting at the time of opening will be described. In this embodiment, the command shown in FIG. 18 is mainly sent from the main control unit 310 to the sub-control unit 340 to indicate the opening of the big winning opening. The main control unit 310 stores the corresponding command ID and EVENT value in a predetermined area of the RAM (S1605 or S1609 in the processing of each flow). For example, in the case of the first opening at the normal stage of the upper prize winning opening, the command ID is 91H, 01H is set to 01H in the predetermined area on the RAM 424, and when the lower winning prize opening is opened, the command ID is 91H. , 21H is set to a predetermined area on the RAM 424. As shown in FIG. 18, commands are also distinguished from each other even when a jackpot effect other than the normal effect, for example, a promotion effect according to the number of rounds, a button effect (with various character effects) according to the number of rounds, etc. Passed to the control unit.

  As described above, when preparation for opening the big prize opening is made, a corresponding command is transmitted from the main control unit 310 to the sub control unit 340 by the output management processing (S714) described with reference to FIG. The sub-control unit 340 is informed whether the winning opening is open, and the sub-control unit 340 performs a predetermined process. That is, the values of the command ID and EVENT set in the RAM in steps S1605 and 1609 described above are read, set as commands, and transmitted from the main control unit 310 to the sub control unit 340. For example, as described above, when the command ID is set to 91H and EVENT is set to 01H, the main control unit 310 transmits a corresponding command shown in FIG. 18, and the sub-control unit 340 Predetermined processing (driving a movable object such as a figure, blinking a lamp, generating a sound effect, etc.) that is performed at the time of first opening at the time of production is performed. When the command ID is set to 91H and the event is set to 21H, the main control unit 310 transmits a corresponding command shown in FIG. 18, and the sub-control unit 340 recognizes the opening of the lower big prize opening. It will be. By the above command control, even if the sub-control unit or the like does not store information such as whether the big prize opening that is open at that time is up or down, or how many times it is open, the power is cut off Even during restoration, etc., it is possible to perform an effect process that has been continued from before the power was turned off.

  In this case, as shown in FIG. 18, a command is transmitted from the main control unit 310 to the sub control unit 340 as described above, and the sub control unit 340 further includes a display control unit (symbol) 370, lamp control (lamp) 520, and voice control. Commands are transmitted to (sound) 522 and movable object control (motor, solenoid) 524, respectively. As a result, the design fluctuates, the lamp lights up / flashes, and the movable object attached to the board operates to further enhance the effect.

  Returning to the description of the flow shown in FIG. 16, if the number of rounds is 6 or more for the upper prize winning opening and 15 or more for the lower winning prize opening, for example, the big winning completion process, The value of the mouth end wait timer is set, and the special status is changed to 6 (S1612, S1613). In the present embodiment, the number of times of opening, such as 6 times for the upper prize opening and 15 times for the lower prize opening, is different for each big prize opening (specifically, a prize for the player). The number is set to one half or less in order to sharpen the number of balls paid out), but the value is not limited to this, and can be set to an appropriate value suitable for the system.

  In the present embodiment, in step S1612, it is determined whether or not to shift to a probability variation (hereinafter simply referred to as probability variation) state after the big hit, and processing such as notifying of the probability variation state is performed when it is determined to be the probability variation state. For example, special symbols are displayed on the special symbol display device in two rows, and notification is made by changing a large demo symbol for performing the effect on the front of the effect symbol display device. Here, the probability variation means that the probability of a special prize inside a gaming machine in a game is usually obtained after digesting the jackpot movement of a special symbol combination among the special symbol combinations, for example, “7, 7, 7”. This is a function that improves the (low probability) state. In general, such a probability change (high probability) state of a gaming machine with a probability change function is continued until the next jackpot is acquired, and during the probability change, the background color of the special symbol display device is generally changed, and the player is being changed. Inform you.

  The transition to the probability variation state is determined by various methods, for example, a method of transitioning with a certain probability by lottery, but in this embodiment, the transition method to the probability variation state at the upper prize winning port and the lower major prize winning port is determined. It is changing. In other words, lottery is performed when the jackpot process for the upper winning prize is completed, and the process shifts to the probability change state with a predetermined probability, while the process is performed so that it always shifts to the probability change state for the lower prize winning opening. . As described above, by performing different processing at the upper and lower big prize opening, it is possible to further improve the game play. Of course, it may be set so that the number of winning balls differs between the upper and lower big winning openings.

  When the jackpot ends, special electric accessory end weight processing (S1009) in the case of special status 6 shown in FIG. 17 is performed. That is, the time of the special winning awaiting mouth weight is updated (predetermined value is subtracted) (S1701). If the timer value is 0 as a result of the update, the start RAM is set for each special symbol state, and the special status is 0. (S1702 to S1704). In other words, in the normal gaming state (when the probability is low), the winning prize opening number counter is cleared, and in the case of establishment fluctuation, in addition to this, the probability variation start designation is set in the special game operation designation transmission request buffer. The operation state at the time of the probability change is shifted, and when the time is short, the short-time state notification designation is set in the transmission request buffer for short-time state notification designation so that the operation state can be shifted to the short-time operation state (S1703). ). In either case, thereafter, the special status is set to 0 and the processing returns to the normal processing (S1704).

(Round indicator 462 as notification means)
FIG. 20 shows the configuration of the round indicator 462 (notification means) of FIG. The round indicator 462 is a light transmissive LED provided with a round display LED (left) 462L and a round display LED (right) 462R as light sources provided at a predetermined interval on the frame 910 of the effect symbol display device 103. The two through-holes 911 and 912 are exposed from behind, and the exit light ports of the two through-holes 911 and 912 are fixed with a seal 913 as a design portion so as to simultaneously close the exit light ports. is there. This disassembled state is shown in FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 22, the seal 913 includes two light irradiated portions 931 and 932 corresponding to the round display LED (left) 462L and the round display LED (right) 462R. The sections 931 and 932 notify the game information related to opening the variable winning ball devices 109 and 110 (large winning opening) and allowing the gaming ball to win, and the two different maximum rounds described above are used. (In this example, the characters “15R” and “6R”). These characters are coated with black ink as an opaque film, do not transmit the light from the round display LED (left) 462L and the round display LED (right) 462R, and the light irradiated portions 931 and 932 Except for the characters, smoke ink (ink mixed with black) is applied as a translucent film and transmits light from the round display LED (left) 462L and the round display LED (right) 462R. It is supposed to be. It should be noted that external light hardly passes through the portion where the black ink is applied and the portion where the smoke ink is applied.

  Therefore, in the state where the round display LED (left) 462L and the round display LED (right) 462R are turned off at the same time, as shown in FIG. It is in a very difficult state to visually recognize. On the other hand, in the state where only the round display LED (left) 462L is lit, the light from the round display LED (left) 462L transmits only the portion of the light irradiated portion 931 excluding the characters. The player can clearly see the letters “15R” as shown in FIG. On the other hand, in the state where only the round display LED (right) 462R is lit, the light from the round display LED (right) 462R transmits only the portion of the light irradiated portion 932 except the characters. Can clearly see the character “6R” as shown in FIG.

  In this way, the light irradiated portions 931 and 932 in the seal 913 forming the design portion are colored with ink that closely approximates the coloration of the portion indicating the character and the portion excluding the character, and the respective light transmittances are set. It is different. Thus, when the light source by the left and right round display LEDs (left) 462L and the round display LED (right) 462R is not lit, the character discrimination is extremely difficult and the game unnecessary for the player is maintained. Characters can be identified when lit while not reporting information, and the player can visually recognize the game information.

(Round display drive control processing)
In the special electric accessory starting process (S1005, FIG. 10), the main controller 310 detects the passage of the game ball when the start winning opening 104 or the special symbol start switch 410 of the ordinary electric accessory 108 is turned ON. Then, the jackpot / out of lottery is performed by the built-in program, and when the jackpot is lottery, the jackpot symbol random number is read and stored in a predetermined area on the RAM 424 (S732, FIG. 7).

  Based on the jackpot symbol random number, special symbol determination data (00H to 03H) is determined and stored in a predetermined area on the RAM 424 (S1302, S1303). In step S1403, the special symbol determination data is read from a predetermined area on the RAM 424, and whether or not the special symbol determination data is 03H, that is, the variable winning ball apparatus in which the big winning opening is opened is the second variable. Whether the winning ball device 109 or the first variable winning ball device 110 is determined.

(1) When it is determined that the special symbol determination data is 03H, that is, when the variable winning ball device whose opening of the big winning opening is the second variable winning ball device 110 First, step S1406 (FIG. 14) The main control unit 310 receives the data of the output port 478 from the output port 478 associated with the second variable winning ball apparatus 110, stores it in a predetermined area on the RAM 424, and then outputs this output. Via the port 478, the round display LED (left) 462L of the round indicator 462 is turned on. By the control for selecting the light source to be lit, “15R” representing the maximum number of rounds is displayed on the round indicator 462 as shown in FIG. Here, R means round. Thereby, the player can visually recognize that the maximum number of rounds is 15 rounds as game information related to the fact that the variable winning ball apparatus can win game balls.

  In addition, the main control unit 310 notifies the sub-control unit 340 of the fact that a big hit has occurred and the maximum number of rounds (15R) in order to notify the player of the above-described game information in more detail by an image. Therefore, a notice command (command ID: 91H, EVENT: AAH) as a control command signal is set and stored in a predetermined area on the RAM 424. Then, the special status is changed to 3, and the special management process is exited. The process proceeds to step S718, goes through steps S718 to 722, and then ends the first interrupt process.

  In the next first interrupt process, the main control unit 310 reads this notice notification command from a predetermined area on the RAM 424 and transmits it to the sub-control part 340 (S714 in FIG. 7). When the sub-control unit 340 receives the notice designation command (command ID: 95H, EVENT: AAH) and transmits it to the display control unit 370, the display control unit 370 that has received the notice designation command causes the display control unit 370 to receive FIG. A predetermined symbol as shown in (b) is displayed on the effect symbol display device 103. That is, a game information image corresponding to the game information that is turned on by the round display 462 as a notification means is displayed.

  Next, the main control unit 310 checks the special status in step S1001 (FIG. 10) of FIG. 10 in the special game management process of step S716 (FIG. 7). In this case, since the special status is 4, the process proceeds to step S1007 (FIG. 10). In steps S1007 to S1008, the above-described special electric accessory release process and special electric accessory close process in the first round are performed. At the same time, the effect symbol display device 103 is displayed to the effect that at least the current round is the first round.

  Thereafter, also in the second round to the fifteenth round, similarly, at least the current round is displayed on the effect symbol display device 103.

  Then, the special status is checked, and if the checked special status is 6, the process proceeds to step S1009 (FIG. 10), and in step S1009, the special electric accessory end weight process described above is performed.

  When the jackpot operation is completed, the data of the output port 478 stored in a predetermined area of the RAM 424 is output to the output port 478, whereby the round display LED (left) 462L is turned off, and the maximum number of rounds is reached. The display ends. The round indicator 462 at the end of the display of the maximum number of rounds is as shown in FIG. 22 (b), so that the player can no longer see the maximum number of rounds and notifies that the 15th round has ended. Is done.

(2) When it is determined that the special symbol determination data is not 03H, the variable winning ball apparatus whose first prize opening is opened is the first variable winning ball apparatus 109 First, in step S1405 (FIG. 14), The control unit 310 inputs data of the output port 476 from the output port 476 associated with the first variable winning ball device 109, stores it in a predetermined area on the RAM 424, and then stores the output port 476 in the predetermined area. Then, the round display LED (right) 462R of the round indicator 462 is turned on. By the control for selecting the light source to be lit, “6R” representing the maximum number of rounds is displayed on the round indicator 462 as shown in FIG. Thereby, the player can visually recognize that the maximum number of rounds is 6 rounds as game information related to the fact that the variable winning ball apparatus can win game balls.

  In addition, the main control unit 310 notifies the sub-control unit 340 of the fact that a big hit has occurred and the maximum number of rounds (6R) in order to notify the player of the above-described game information in more detail by an image. A notice notification command (command ID: 91H, EVENT: BBH) is set and stored in a predetermined area on the RAM 424. Then, the special status is changed to 4, and the special management process is exited, and the process proceeds to step S718, goes through steps S718 to 722, and then ends the first interrupt process.

  In the next first interrupt process, the main control unit 310 reads this notice notification command from a predetermined area on the RAM 424 and transmits it to the sub-control part 340 (S714 in FIG. 7). The sub-control unit 340 that has received the notice designation command (command ID: 95H, EVENT: BBH) is generated and transmitted to the display control unit 370. A predetermined symbol as shown in (b) is displayed on the effect symbol display device 103. That is, a game information image corresponding to the game information that is turned on by the round display 462 as a notification means is displayed.

  Next, the main control unit 310 checks the special status in step S1001 (FIG. 10) of FIG. 10 in the special game management process of step S716 (FIG. 7). In this case, since the special status is 4, the process proceeds to step S1007 (FIG. 10). In steps S1007 to S1008, the above-described special electric accessory release process and special electric accessory close process in the first round are performed. At the same time, the effect symbol display device 103 is displayed to the effect that at least the current round is the first round.

  Thereafter, also in the second to sixth rounds, at least the current round is displayed on the effect symbol display device 103 in the same manner.

  Then, the special status is checked, and if the checked special status is 6, the process proceeds to step S1009 (FIG. 10), and in step S1009, the special electric accessory end weight process described above is performed.

  When the jackpot operation is completed, the data of the output port 476 stored in a predetermined area of the RAM 424 is output to the output port 476, whereby the round display LED (right) 462R is turned off, and the maximum number of rounds is reached. The display ends. The round indicator 462 at the end of the display of the maximum number of rounds is as shown in FIG. 22 (b), so that the player cannot see the maximum number of rounds and notifies that the 6th round has ended. Is done.

  When the variable winning ball apparatus described above is selected and the round display LED (left) 462L and the round display LED (right) 462R are turned on and off in each round, and the screen display is summarized. FIG.

  Note that the number of times the opening / closing member of the variable winning ball apparatus is opened in one special award (round) is two patterns of six times and fifteen times. However, the number of times is not limited to this. Good. In this case, since the round indicator 462 similarly notifies three kinds of game information, the light source and the design part are also provided. As described above, any number of light sources and design portions may be arranged as long as one design portion is arranged with respect to one light source.

  Of course, one design portion may be formed for a plurality of light sources separately, but by forming one design portion for one light source, the product cost can be suppressed as much as possible. It is easy to reuse.

<Second Embodiment>
As compared with the first embodiment, this embodiment has only the second variable winning ball device 110 having a maximum number of rounds of 15 as the variable winning ball device, and the round number display 462. The method of controlling the drive is different. That is, the round number display 462 is commonly used in the gaming machines according to the first and second embodiments having different game specifications.

  In step S1406 (FIG. 14), the main control unit 310 inputs the data of the output port 478 from the output port 478 associated with the second variable winning ball device 110, and stores it in a predetermined area on the RAM 424. Then, the round display LED (left) 462L of the round indicator 462 is turned on via the output port 478. By the control for selecting the light source to be lit, “15R” representing the maximum number of rounds is displayed on the round indicator 462 as shown in FIG. Thereby, the player can visually recognize that the maximum number of rounds is 15 rounds as game information related to the fact that the variable winning ball apparatus can win game balls.

  In addition, the main control unit 310 notifies the sub-control unit 340 of the fact that a big hit has occurred and the maximum number of rounds (15R) in order to notify the player of the above-described game information in more detail by an image. Therefore, a notice command (command ID: 91H, EVENT: AAH) as a control command signal is set and stored in a predetermined area on the RAM 424. Then, the special status is changed to 4, the special management process is exited, and the process proceeds to step S718, goes through steps S718 to 722, and then ends the first interrupt process.

  In the next first interrupt process, the main control unit 310 reads this notice notification command from a predetermined area on the RAM 424 and transmits it to the sub-control part 340 (S714 in FIG. 7). When the sub-control unit 340 receives the notice designation command (command ID: 95H, EVENT: AAH) and transmits it to the display control unit 370, the display control unit 370 that has received the notice designation command causes the display control unit 370 to receive FIG. A predetermined symbol as shown in (b) is displayed on the effect symbol display device 103. That is, a game information image corresponding to the game information that is turned on by the round display 462 as a notification means is displayed.

  Next, the main control unit 310 checks the special status in the special game management process in step S716 (FIG. 7) (S1001, FIG. 10). In this case, since the special status is 4, the process proceeds to step S1007 (FIG. 10). In steps S1007 to S1008, the above-described special electric accessory release process and special electric accessory close process are performed in the first round. Through the above-described processing, the effect symbol display device 103 is displayed at least that the current round is the first round.

  Thereafter, also in the second round to the fifteenth round, similarly, at least the current round is displayed on the effect symbol display device 103.

  However, in the sixth round, the main control unit 310 inputs the data of the output port 476 from the output port 476, stores it in a predetermined area on the RAM 424, and then, through this output port 476, the round indicator The LED 462R for round display (right) 462R is turned on. As a result, as shown in FIG. 22E, the round indicator 462 displays “6R” indicating the maximum number of rounds in addition to “15R” displayed by the round display LED (left) 462L that is already lit. Is displayed. Thereby, the player can visually recognize that the current round is the sixth of the 15 rounds and has reached the middle round.

  In the next seventh round, the main control unit 310 outputs the data of the output port 476 stored in a predetermined area on the RAM 424 to the output port 476, and turns off the round display LED (right) 462R. As a result, the round indicator 462 displays only “15R” by the round display LED (left) 462L as shown in FIG. 22C, and the round has shifted to the next seventh round. Is notified.

  Then, the special status is checked, and if the checked special status is 6, the process proceeds to step S1009 (FIG. 10), and in step S1009, the special electric accessory end weight process described above is performed.

  When the jackpot operation is completed, the data of the output port 478 stored in a predetermined area of the RAM 424 is output to the output port 478, whereby the round display LED (left) 462L is turned off, and the maximum number of rounds is reached. The display ends. The round indicator 462 at the end of the display of the maximum number of rounds is as shown in FIG. 22 (b), so that the player can no longer see the maximum number of rounds and notifies that the 15th round has ended. Is done.

  When the variable winning ball apparatus described above is selected and the round display LED (left) 462L and the round display LED (right) 462R are turned on and off in each round, and the screen display is summarized. This is shown in FIG.

  As described above, in the round indicator 462 as a notification means, when the information shown on the seal 913 (design part) corresponding to the portion irradiated with the light source is clearly visible and not irradiated with the light source, It is configured to be invisible or difficult to see. For this reason, the round indicator 462 can be used as a common component even for gaming machines with different gaming specifications as applied to the first embodiment and the second embodiment, so that reuse and cost reduction can be realized. The sex is dramatically improved.

  The round indicator 462 that is directly controlled by the main control unit 310 uses a lamp component such as an LED to notify game information in a simple form, while reducing the control burden on the main control unit 310. The utility value of the display unit 462 as a common part is increased.

  In addition, the game information to be notified can be more clearly transmitted to the player by graphically expressing the information corresponding to the game information notified by the round indicator 462 by the effect symbol display unit 103. Become.

  That is, in order to assist notification in a simple form on the round display 462, the display control by the image is performed by the display control unit 370 according to the control command signal in the command format from the main control unit 310. Therefore, the control burden of the main control unit 310 due to this is reduced.

It is a figure which shows an example of the front general view of the game machine to which this invention is applied. It is a block diagram which shows an example of the game system containing the game machine to which this invention is applied. FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a configuration of a control unit 300 of the gaming machine 100 in FIG. 2. It is a block diagram which shows an example of a structure of the main control part 310 of FIG. It is a block diagram which shows an example of a structure of the sub-control part 340 of FIG. It is a block diagram which shows an example of a structure of the display control part 370 of FIG. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the game control procedure by the main control part 310 of FIG. It is a figure which shows an example of a command as a table. It is a figure which shows the relationship between a design random number, a special design, and an effect design as a table. It is a flowchart which shows the special game management process of step S716 of FIG. 7 in detail. It is a flowchart which shows the special game management process of step S1003 of FIG. 10 in detail. 12 is a flowchart showing a more detailed processing procedure of the special symbol variation setting process in step S1107 of FIG. FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing the jackpot stop symbol determination process in step S1205 of FIG. 12 in more detail. FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing the special electric accessory starting process in step S1006 of FIG. 10 in more detail. FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing in more detail the special electric accessory release process of step S1007 of FIG. FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing in more detail the special electric accessory closing process in step S <b> 1008 of FIG. 10. FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing the special electric accessory end weight process in step S1009 of FIG. 10 in more detail. It is a figure which shows an example of the command relevant to the 1st and 2nd variable winning ball apparatuses 109 and 110 in a table. It is a figure which shows an example of the relationship between the content of the notification designation | designated command produced | generated by the sub-control part 340 of FIG. 5, and the display content (forecast content) as a table. FIG. 5 is an exploded view showing an exploded state of the round indicator 462 of FIG. 4. It is a top view of FIG. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating the display mode by the round indicator 462 of FIG. It is a figure which shows the display by the round indicator 462 when the 1st variable winning ball apparatus 109 is selected, and the screen display in the production symbol display apparatus 103. FIG. It is a figure which shows the display by the round indicator 462 when the 2nd variable winning ball apparatus 110 is selected, and the screen display in the production symbol display apparatus 103. FIG. FIG. 5 is a table showing the relationship between lighting and extinguishing of the round display LED (right) 462R and the round display LED (left) 462L in FIG. 4 in the first embodiment. In 2nd Embodiment, it is a figure which shows the relationship of lighting and extinction of LED for round display (right) 462R and LED for round display (left) 462L of FIG. 4 as a table. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating the example of the game machine which has two variable winning ball apparatuses. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating the example of the game machine which has one variable winning ball apparatus.

Explanation of symbols

100 gaming machine 101 game board 102 special symbol display device 103 production symbol display device 104 start winning opening 105 normal symbol display device operation gate (left)
106 Normal symbol display device operation gate (right)
107 Normal symbol display device 108 Normal electric accessory (tulip)
109 First variable winning ball apparatus 110 having a top prize opening 110 Second variable winning ball apparatus 111 having a bottom prize opening 111 Game machine handle 112 Special symbol operation memory indicator lamp (holding lamp)
113 Normal symbol operation memory indicator lamp (hold lamp)
120 effect switch 121 state notification display 201 information display device 202 hall computer 203 out ball detection device 310 main control unit 340 sub control unit (image display control means)
370 Display control unit (image display control means)
422 CPU
420 ROM
424 RAM
430 Normal electrical accessory solenoid output port 432 Special symbol display output port 434 Normal symbol display output port 440 Sub control command output port 442 Discharge control command output port 436 Special symbol operation memory indicator light port 438 Normal symbol operation memory Indicator light port 444 External information output port 426 Input port 410 Special symbol start switch 412 Normal symbol operation switch 414 Upper large prize opening switch 415 Lower large prize opening switch 416 Specific area switch 418 Other switches 450 Dispensing control unit 452 Prize ball dispensing Device 446 Upper prize winning solenoid 447 Lower prize winning solenoid 448 Normal electric accessory solenoid 462 Round indicator (notification means)
472 Upper prize winning solenoid output port 474 Lower prize winning solenoid output port 514 CPU
512 RAM
510 ROM
516 Various input ports 518 Various output ports 520 Lamp display device 522 Sound effect generator 524 Movable object 618 Input port 620 CPU
610 Program ROM
612 RAM
622 LSI for Image Processing (VDP)
616 Character ROM
614 Video RAM
624 output port

Claims (2)

A variable winning ball device that opens the opening and closing member and makes it possible to win a game ball on condition that a predetermined condition is established;
Informing means for informing game information related to enabling the variable winning ball apparatus to win a game ball;
In a gaming machine comprising the notification means and a main control unit that controls the variable winning ball apparatus,
The notification means includes a plurality of light sources, and a design portion arranged corresponding to each of the plurality of light sources and indicating the game information, and irradiating the design portion with the light source, It is configured to be able to notify game information,
The main control unit controls the variable winning ball apparatus by varying the number of times the opening / closing member is opened according to the established predetermined condition, and the plurality of the plurality of the plurality of opening / closing members is opened according to the number of times the opening / closing member is opened. A gaming machine, wherein a light source to be turned on is selected from among the light sources, and the notification means is controlled to turn on the selected light source. In addition to displaying whether or not the predetermined condition is satisfied according to a control command signal from the main control unit, the image display control means for performing control to display a game information image corresponding to the game information,
The main control unit transmits a control command signal for displaying a game information image corresponding to the game information to the image display control unit in response to the control of the notification unit for reporting the game information. And
The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the image display control means performs control to display the gaming information image according to the control command signal.

Images