JP2006230788A - Game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a game machine capable of improving a savor of a game by diversifying performances relating to the display of holding balls. <P>SOLUTION: A pachinko game machine is provided with a liquid crystal display device, and has a start winning port 9 capable of establishing a start condition for starting big winning drawing for judging the propriety of the shift of a game state from a normal game state to a specified game state by the entry of a game ball, and stores start storage information corresponding to the entry of the game ball to the start winning port 9 when the variable display of identification patterns can not be performed with a prescribed number as an upper limit. Also, special symbol holding lamps R1-R4 for reporting the number of start storage corresponding to the start storage information stored in a start storage means are included, and a same number display image which makes it possible to recognize a numerical value equal to the number of the start storage reported by the special symbol holding lamps R1-R4 and a different number display image which makes it possible to recognize a different numerical value are displayed at the liquid crystal display device. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2006,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to a gaming machine such as a pachinko gaming machine capable of playing a game in a normal gaming state and a specific gaming state advantageous for the player.

  In a gaming machine such as a pachinko machine, in order to increase the player's interest, in addition to a normal gaming state in which a normal game can be performed, a specific gaming state (winning gaming state, jackpot) that is more advantageous to the player than the normal gaming state. May also be able to play games.

  In the case of this type of pachinko gaming machine, random numbers are extracted when a game ball is won at the start winning opening, and the variation display of the identification symbol in the image display device is started, and the jackpot determination processing using the extracted random numbers When winning in the lottery (big hit lottery), the identification symbol stops in a predetermined display mode and shifts to a specific gaming state. When the gaming state transitions to the specific gaming state, the big prize opening is opened and it becomes easier to obtain more prize balls, so the player performs a game aiming to transition from the normal gaming state to the specific gaming state, Increases interest.

This type of gaming machine has a function to hold up to a predetermined number of random numbers extracted at the time of winning the game ball in the start winning opening while displaying the variation of the identification symbol. (It is also called “holding ball” by regarding the random number value on hold as a game ball). When there is a winning ball in the holding ball (hereinafter referred to as “winning holding ball”), until the change display of the identification symbol corresponding to the winning holding ball starts, It has a so-called continuous sign (also called continuous notice) effect function that produces an effect that develops (changes) step by step for each lottery, and performs a big hit effect at the final stage with a variable display of the identification symbol corresponding to the winning ball. (For example, refer to Patent Document 1).
JP 2004-81500 A

  However, in the continuous sign production in the conventional gaming machine described above, the fun of the game can be enhanced by the variation display mode of the identification symbol developed on the display device and the stage development effect, Since the holding ball display part indicating the presence of the holding ball is composed of LEDs or the like, it can only change the light emission color and the light emission cycle, and has not been able to display suitable for staged development. . For this reason, there is a problem that the effect by the reserved ball display unit is more interesting for the game than the variable display of the identification symbol developed on the display device.

  Accordingly, the present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a gaming machine capable of diversifying effects related to the display of the reserved ball and enhancing the interest of the game.

  In order to solve the above-described problems, the present invention has an image display device that displays a variation display and a stop display of an identification symbol, and is more advantageous to the player than the normal game state and can play a game in a specific game state different from the normal game state. A lottery means for performing a jackpot lottery for determining whether or not a game state can be shifted from a normal gaming state to a specific gaming state, and a starting condition for the lottery means to start the jackpot lottery by winning a game ball A start storage means for storing a start number that can be established, start storage information corresponding to a winning of a game ball to the start winning opening when the identification symbol variation display cannot be performed, and a start storage means A start memory number notifying means for informing a start memory number corresponding to the stored start memory information, and a numerical value equal to the start memory number notified by the start memory number notifying means. A display image, and wherein the game machine and a display control means for displaying the recognizable aneuploidy display image and different numerical values start memory number to be broadcast by the start memory number informing means to the image display device.

  This gaming machine can recognize the start memory number by the notification of the start memory number notification means and the display of the image display device. In the image display device, the same number display image capable of recognizing a numerical value equal to the start memory number notified by the start memory number informing means and the different number display image capable of recognizing a numerical value different from the start memory number are displayed. The image display device can display an accurate start memory number, and can perform an effect related to the start memory information by using the different number display image. In addition, since the different number display image is displayed on the image display device, it is used for a wide range of effects unlike LED display.

  In the case of the above gaming machine, the display control means displays the different number display image when the start memory information stored in the start memory means includes the winning start memory information to be won in the big hit lottery. It is preferable.

  In this way, an interesting effect related to the start-up memory information can be performed by the different number display image displayed on the image display device. For example, the start memory number notifying means is arranged in a place with low visibility, and the image display device is arranged in a place with high visibility. When the winning memory information is included in the starting memory information, a numerical value larger than the original starting memory number notified by the starting memory number notifying means when determining whether or not the gaming state can be shifted to the specific gaming state is set. A recognizable different number display image is displayed. When the winning start memory information corresponding to the original start memory number is digested, it is possible to display as if a continuous advance notice is being made by using the different number display image and a plurality of identification symbol fluctuation displays. .

  ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to this invention, the game machine which can diversify the production | presentation relevant to the display of a holding ball and can heighten the interest of a game is obtained.

  Preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. In the description of the drawings, the same or corresponding elements are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant description is omitted. 1 is a perspective view showing a pachinko gaming machine according to an embodiment of the present invention from the front side, FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the pachinko gaming machine shown in FIG. 1, and FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the pachinko gaming machine shown in FIG. 4 is a front view of the gaming board shown in FIG. 2, and FIG. 5 is a partial sectional view of the pachinko gaming machine shown in FIG.

(Composition of gaming machine)
A pachinko gaming machine 1 shown in FIG. 1 includes an outer frame 2 that is housed and installed in a predetermined installation frame of a game hall (hall). A base door (inner frame) 3 is provided on the front side of the outer frame 2 so as to be rotatable with respect to the outer frame 2, and a game board 4 shown in FIG. 2 is incorporated in the base door 3. It is. A front door 5 is provided in front of the outer frame 2. The front door 5 covers the front of the game board 4 and is rotatably installed on the front side of the base door 3.

  Further, the pachinko gaming machine 1 is provided with a card unit 84 that is adjacent to the card unit 84 so that when a prepaid card or the like is inserted, a game ball is lent according to the balance of the prepaid card.

  The front door 5 is provided with a glass plate 5a in a substantially entire area at the center thereof so that the game board 4 inside thereof can be visually recognized. Below the front door 5, a ball lending operation panel 28 having a ball lending operation related button for performing a card return operation of the card unit 84, a lending (ball lending) operation of a game ball, and the like is provided. Further, the ball lending operation panel 28 is provided with a determination button 20a and selection buttons 20b and 20c for performing predetermined operations such as determination and selection of effect contents.

  A dish panel 6 that can be opened and closed with respect to the outer frame 2 is installed below the front door 5. On the front side of the dish panel 6 are a game ball lent out by the card unit 84 and an upper plate 6a for receiving a game ball to be paid out when entering a winning opening described later, and a ball exit when the upper plate 6a is full. A lower plate 6b for receiving a game ball overflowing inward of 6d and a launch handle 6c provided on the right side of the lower plate 6b are arranged.

  The launch handle 6c is for launching a game ball received by the upper plate 6a, and is provided so as to be rotatable with respect to the plate panel 6. The player operates the launch handle 6c to play a pachinko game. Can proceed. When the firing handle 6c is gripped by the player and is turned clockwise, power is supplied to the firing motor provided on the back side of the firing handle 6c according to the turning angle. Then, the game balls are sequentially fired on the game board 4.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the fired game ball is guided by a guide rail 7 provided on the left side of the game board 4, moves to the upper part of the game board 4, and then the game nail 8 (see FIG. 5) and the like. It flows down toward the lower side of the game board 4 while changing its traveling direction due to the collision.

  The game board 4 is formed with a game area 4a in which a game ball flows down in the game state, and a number of game nails 8 for changing the flow direction of the game ball are provided in the game area 4a. (In FIG. 4, the game nail 8 is not shown). Also, as shown in FIG. 4, a start winning opening 9 is provided on the game area 4a, on the center line that partitions the game board surface to the left and right, and slightly below the center. Furthermore, normal symbol operation gates 10 and 10 are provided on both the left and right sides of the center line and above the start winning opening 9 in the height direction.

  In addition, a large winning opening 11 is provided on the lower side in the height direction of the starting winning opening 9 on the center line. Further, on the side of the start winning port 9, general winning ports 13a and 13b are provided. The game area 4a is provided with a symbol display area 16a, and an out port 14 is provided at the lower end of the game area 4a.

  The start winning opening 9 is configured such that a game ball can be won, and a start winning opening switch 9S (FIG. 6) is provided. The start winning port switch 9 </ b> S detects a game ball that wins the start winning port 9 and inputs a detection signal to the main control circuit 30. When the start winning port switch 9S detects a game ball, the main CPU 31 in the main control circuit 30 extracts a big hit determination random number value for determining a big hit, which will be described later, and a start condition for starting the big hit lottery is satisfied. .

  The normal symbol actuating gate 10 is a passing gate that is a passage through which a game ball can pass and serves as a trigger for extracting a random value for determination per normal symbol on the condition that the game ball has passed. When the game state becomes one of the specific game states (non-probability variation specific game state) by the extraction of the random value for determination per normal symbol, the start winning opening 9 is provided with 1 The pair of blades (ordinary electric accessory, tulip) 9a opens and closes for a predetermined number of seconds, making it easy to win a prize.

  The special winning opening 11 is a so-called attacker-type opening / closing device having a shutter (not shown), and switching between an easy winning state and a difficult winning state is performed by opening and closing the shutter in the front-rear direction. The shutter is opened and closed by a special prize opening solenoid 11L, which will be described later, via a shaft.

  At the big prize opening 11, the shutter is normally closed, and it is won by the big hit lottery using the extracted random number for jackpot determination. When the game state shifts to the big hit, the shutter is opened, and then the shutter is closed. . Then, opening the shutter makes it easy to win the game ball, and closing the shutter makes it difficult to win. The big winning opening 11 is a trigger winning opening through which a predetermined number of gaming balls (for example, 15 balls) are paid out as winning balls when a gaming ball enters (wins) the shutter.

  The general winning ports 13a and 13b are winning ports that serve as triggers for a predetermined number of gaming balls (for example, 10) to be paid out as winning balls when a gaming ball enters (wins).

  The out port 14 receives game balls that have not entered any of the start winning port 9, the big winning port 11, the general winning ports 13a, 13b, and the like.

  Further, the game board 4 includes a translucent substrate 15 having translucency. The translucent substrate 15 has a transparent portion formed of a synthetic resin such as polycarbonate or other transparent member (translucent member). Here, the “transparent member” means a member having a light transmittance of 100% or a light transmittance that is high enough to visually recognize the object through the member. Most of the game area 4a of this embodiment is a transparent game area. A game nail 8 is fixed to the translucent substrate 15 with at least its tip embedded therein, and an area formed by the translucent substrate 15 and the glass plate 5a of the front door 5 is defined as a game area 4a. Yes. Further, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 5, a liquid crystal display device 16 having a large screen display area 16 a for displaying various images is disposed on the back side of the translucent substrate 15. The image displayed on the liquid crystal display device 16 is displayed on the translucent substrate 15 through a portion where the game nail 8 at the substantially center is not provided and a portion where the game nail 8 is provided in the vicinity thereof. It can be visually recognized from the front side of the machine 1.

  The liquid crystal display device 16 is an image display device according to the present invention. As shown in FIG. 4, a right decorative design DR, a middle decorative design DC, each of which is represented by a single digit, respectively, in the approximate center of the display area 16a. In addition, the decorative pattern (decorative pattern) D as the identification symbol in the present invention of the three-column display having the left decorative symbol DL, and the variable display of the character, etc., in addition, the background image displayed as the background of the special symbol J, A character image is also displayed. In the display area 16a, a variable display image of a decorative design D2 different from the decorative design D (a design in which three symbols D2L, D2C, and D2R are displayed side by side by rotating reel display imitating a drum) is displayed. A second symbol display area 162 is formed. Furthermore, a start memory number related display area 163 for displaying the same number display image or different number display image, which will be described later, is secured at a position where the player near the lower side of the decorative pattern D can easily see. “Variable display” is a concept that can be displayed in a variable manner. For example, “variable display” that is actually displayed in a variable state, “stop display” that is displayed in actual stop state, and the like can be displayed. To do. In addition to these, “appearance display” in which a special symbol is simply displayed so that a special symbol appears, “derivation display” in which a special symbol is displayed as a result of a special symbol game, and the like are possible.

  Then, a special symbol J and a normal symbol N are displayed in the game area 4a above the decorative symbol D. Both are displayed at a position that is visible to the player but difficult to view. In the case of the pachinko gaming machine 1, as the special symbol J, three types of symbols “-”, “H”, and “F” are displayed, “H” and “F” are jackpot symbols, “-” Is a missing symbol. “H” is a normal jackpot symbol, and “F” is a probabilistic jackpot symbol.

  The decorative symbol D corresponds to the special symbol J. When the special symbol J is "-", a stop display of a three-digit numeric string (designated to correspond to an outlier) is not displayed when the special symbol J is "-". When the special symbol J is "H" Is a stop display of even-numbered slots (hits corresponding symbol), and when the special symbol J is “F”, it is a stop display of an odd-numbered number string (hits corresponding symbol). The normal symbol N is displayed in accordance with the determination result of the normal symbol determination based on the random value for determination of the normal symbol extracted by passing the game ball through the normal symbol operation gate 10, and is determined to be a hit in the normal symbol determination. Then, the blade 9a provided in the start winning opening 9 is opened for a predetermined number of seconds.

  Further, four special symbol holding lamps R1 to R4 that are independently lit as the starting memory number notifying means in the present invention are provided at the upper part of the game area 4a, and the two special symbol holding lamps R1, L1 on the left side are provided. A symbol display unit 16b for displaying the special symbol J and the normal symbol N is provided between R2 and the two special symbol holding lamps R3 and R4 on the right side. Since the special symbol holding lamps R1 to R4 are at the upper part of the game area 4a, they are arranged at positions that are more difficult for the player to visually recognize than the display area 16a. Further, the special symbol hold lamps R1 to R4 are configured to perform lighting display according to the number of start memory information described later (the number of start memories in the present invention, also referred to as the number of held balls). When the stored number is “3”, the special symbol holding lamps R1, R2, and R3 are turned on (R4 is turned off) to notify that the starting stored number is “3”. Since the number of starting memories is the upper limit of a predetermined number (four in this embodiment), four special symbol holding lamps R1 to R4 are provided. The normal symbol N is displayed by the color of the LED lamp arranged on the side of the display position of the special symbol J. Further, normal symbol holding lamps r1 to r4 are provided between the symbol display unit 16b and the display area 16a.

  On the other hand, on the back side of the lower side of the translucent substrate 15, members such as a winning ball assembly assembly 17 that guides the winning balls to the winning ball sensor to the winning ball sensor are disposed as shown in FIG. Yes. In order to make the members such as the winning ball assembly assembly 17 invisible to the player, a cell sheet SS made of CAB (cellulose acetobutyrate), for example, is stretched on the back surface of the translucent substrate 15 to form an opaque region.

  The translucent substrate 15 does not necessarily have to be a transparent portion, and may have a portion having a low light transmittance or a region having a light transmittance of zero. In addition to the cell sheet SS on the back side, the pattern layer and the color layer can be formed by applying paint or physical vapor deposition or chemical vapor deposition on the surface in addition to the cell sheet SS on the back. Alternatively, the light transmittance may be reduced by impregnating a synthetic resin as a base material with a dye or a pigment.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 2, the pachinko gaming machine 1 has speakers 18L and 18R serving as notification means for outputting sound in a predetermined manner above the liquid crystal display device 16, and a predetermined number as shown in FIG. Decorative lamps 19L and 19R are provided as notification means for notification by turning on and off in a manner. Further, the pachinko gaming machine 1 is paid out as a prize ball below the game board 4 through the game balls lent out by the card unit 84 and the start winning port 9, the big winning port 11, and the general winning ports 13a and 13b. A payout device 81 (see FIG. 6) for paying out game balls to the upper plate 6a is provided.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 3, the pachinko gaming machine 1 has a main control board 21 having a main control circuit 30 and a sub-control board 22 having a sub-control circuit 40 on the back side. A dispensing / firing control board 23 having a dispensing / firing control circuit 80 for controlling the firing, a power supply unit 24 for supplying power, a power switch 25, and a backup clear switch 26 are arranged.

  FIG. 6 is a block configuration diagram illustrating mainly the internal configuration of the pachinko gaming machine 1 illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 5. The pachinko gaming machine 1 has a plurality of components centering on the main control circuit 30, the sub control circuit 40, the payout / launch control circuit 80, and the power supply unit 24 described above. 30, sub-control circuit 40 and payout / launch control circuit 80 are connected to each other, and power can be supplied to each. The main control circuit 30 includes a main CPU (Central Processing Unit) 31, a main ROM (Read Only Memory) 32, and a main RAM (Random Access Memory) 33 which are configured by a one-chip microcomputer, and an initial reset circuit 34. And a command output port 35.

  The main CPU 31 inputs a detection signal of a game ball from a count switch 11CS, which will be described later, and operates in accordance with a control program stored in the main ROM 32, so that the pachinko gaming machine 1 can change from a normal game state to a specific game state ( It controls the overall operation of the pachinko gaming machine 1 such as a big hit lottery for determining whether or not to shift the gaming state to the big hit), and a prize ball discharge. Various commands are sent to the sub control circuit 40 via the command output port 35. Send. The main CPU 31 constitutes a lottery means for performing a jackpot lottery, and a game state transition means for shifting a game state between a normal gaming state and a specific gaming state (big hit).

  The main ROM 32 stores a control program executed by the main CPU 31 and permanent data. The main RAM 33 temporarily stores data and programs used when the main CPU 31 operates. Further, the main RAM 33 has a function as a start storage unit that stores start storage information, which will be described later, with a predetermined number as an upper limit. The initial reset circuit 34 periodically outputs a reset signal to the main CPU 31. With this reset signal, the main CPU 31 executes processing from the beginning of the control program.

  The main control circuit 30 is connected to each switch including the count switch 11CS. The count switch 11CS measures the number of game balls won in the special winning opening 11, and outputs a detection signal indicating the measurement result to the main control circuit 30.

  The general winning opening switch 13S outputs to the main control circuit 30 a detection signal of a game ball won in each of the general winning openings 13a and 13b. The operation gate switch 10 </ b> S outputs a detection signal of the game ball passing through the normal symbol operation gate 10 to the main control circuit 30. The start winning port switch 9 </ b> S outputs a detection signal of a game ball won in the start winning port 9 to the main control circuit 30.

  The start opening solenoid 9L opens and closes a pair of blades 9a, 9a provided at the start winning opening 9, and the large winning opening solenoid 11L opens and closes the shutter of the large winning opening 11. The backup clear switch 26 clears backup data in the event of a power interruption or the like according to the operation of the operator.

  In the pachinko gaming machine 1, when a winning of a game ball is detected and the start winning port switch 9S outputs a detection signal, random number extraction is performed, and a lottery process using the extracted random number is performed. Based on the lottery result, main control is performed. A design command is output from the circuit 30 to the sub-control circuit 40 to cause the sub-control circuit 40 to determine a decorative design in the liquid crystal display device 16.

  Then, the main CPU 31 opens the big prize opening 11 by outputting a drive signal to the big prize opening solenoid 11L when the big hit is made. Further, when the special winning opening 11 is opened, the game is closed on the condition that a predetermined number (for example, 10) of game balls are won or a predetermined time (for example, 30 seconds) elapses.

  The sub-control circuit 40 receives a command from the main control circuit 30, and according to the input command, the variable display of the decorative symbol D using the liquid crystal display device 16, the effect of the big hit game (the big hit effect), the reach effect, Various effects control such as effects related to the start memory information using the different number display images (referred to as start memory effects) is performed. The sub-control circuit 40 constitutes display control means for controlling the display of the liquid crystal display device 16 and causes the liquid crystal display device 16 to display an image. Furthermore, the sub-control circuit 40 also performs control necessary for producing an effect by sound output using the speakers 18L and 18R and an effect by blinking display using the decorative lamps 19L and 19R.

  The sub control circuit 40 is configured around the sub CPU 41, has a sub ROM 42, a sub RAM 43, and a command input port 48, and has an image control circuit 50, an audio control circuit 60, and a lamp control circuit 70. .

  The sub CPU 41 executes processing in accordance with a program stored in the sub ROM 42 in accordance with a command input from the main control circuit 30, and operates the image control circuit 50, the sound control circuit 60, and the lamp control circuit 70 while selecting The power supply unit 24 is controlled in accordance with signals from the buttons 20b and 20c and the determination button 20a. The sub ROM 42 stores a program executed by the sub CPU 41 and permanent data. The sub RAM 43 stores data and programs used when the sub CPU 41 operates.

  The sub CPU 41 performs processing according to various commands by causing the liquid crystal display device 16 to display a special symbol J corresponding to the symbol command output from the main control circuit 30. The sub CPU 41 also has a function as a symbol determining means for determining a decorative symbol D corresponding to the received symbol command based on a decorative symbol determining table (not shown) stored in the sub ROM 42.

  The image control circuit 50 includes a VDP (Video Display Processor) 51, a D / A converter 52, an initial reset circuit 53, and image data ROMs (image storage means) 54a and 54b. The VDP 51 forms an image corresponding to the content to be displayed on the liquid crystal display device 16 determined by the sub CPU 41, and outputs the formed image to the D / A converter 52. The D / A converter 52 performs D / A conversion on the image data output from the VDP 51, outputs an analog signal obtained by the conversion to the liquid crystal display device 16, and displays an image. The initial reset circuit 53 receives the reset command from the sub CPU 41 and executes processing for returning the VDP 51 to the initial state. The image data ROM 54a stores image data indicating decorative symbols, special symbols, characters, and image data of different display images. The image data ROM 54b stores images for displaying various image data on the liquid crystal display device 16. Data is stored.

  The audio control circuit 60 includes a sound source IC 61, an amplifier (AMP) 62, and an audio data ROM 63. The sound source IC 61 generates an audio signal using audio data stored in the audio data ROM 63 in accordance with an instruction from the sub CPU 41. The amplifier (AMP) 62 amplifies the sound signal generated by the sound source IC 61 to an appropriate level, supplies the amplified sound signal to the speakers 18L and 18R, and outputs sound. The audio data ROM 63 stores data (audio data) such as music, sound, and sound effects used for various effects such as a notice effect, a reach effect, and a jackpot effect.

  The lamp control circuit 70 uses the decoration data ROM 71 that stores decoration data indicating the blinking pattern of the decoration lamps 19L and 19R and the decoration data stored in the decoration data ROM 71 according to the instruction from the sub CPU 41. , 19R, and a drive circuit 72 for blinking.

  The payout / launch control circuit 80 operates the payout device 81 according to the control of the main control circuit 30 to pay out a predetermined number of game balls as prize balls, and the prize balls when the game balls win the big prize opening 11 To control the payout. Further, the payout / firing control circuit 80 operates the firing handle 6 c and the launching device 82 having a launching motor, and causes the launching device 82 to launch a game ball toward the game area 4 a on the game board 4.

  The power supply unit 24 supplies power to the sub control circuit 40, the main control circuit 30, and the payout / launch control circuit 80 under the control of the sub control circuit 40, and to the payout / fire control circuit 80 and the main control circuit 30. Limit power supply.

(Operation details of pachinko machines)
Next, among the operation contents of the pachinko gaming machine 1, the procedure of the control processing by the main control circuit 30 and the sub control circuit 40 will be described with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS. FIG. 7 is a flowchart (main flowchart) showing an operation procedure of main control processing repeatedly executed by the main control circuit 30 after the power is turned on in the pachinko gaming machine 1. 7 to 15, the step is abbreviated as S.

(Operation procedure of main control processing)
As shown in FIG. 7, in the pachinko gaming machine 1, when the power is turned on, the main CPU 31 of the main control circuit 30 starts main control processing, and sequentially executes steps 1 to 4 to perform initial setting processing, The special symbol control process, the normal symbol control process, and the random number update process are sequentially executed. Thereafter, the process proceeds to a repeating routine that sequentially executes steps 2 to 4 while the power is on. This main control process mainly includes a system timer interrupt process, which will be described later, periodically (for example, every 2 ms) on condition that an interrupt permission flag is set in order to update a random number used in the main control process. Executed. Various commands such as a symbol command, a fluctuation pattern command, and a start memory fluctuation display command are output from the main control circuit 30 to the sub-control circuit 40 by the command output process of the system timer interrupt process.

  The special symbol control process is performed as shown in the flowchart of FIG. When the special symbol control process is started, the steps 11 to 20 are sequentially executed to load the control state flag, the special symbol storage check process, the special symbol variation time management process, the special symbol display time management process, A big hit start interval management process, a big prize opening opening process, a big ball winning hole residual ball monitoring process, a big prize opening re-opening waiting time management process, a big hit end interval process, and a special symbol game end process are performed.

  When the special symbol control process is started, the process proceeds to step 11 to load a control state flag. This control state flag indicates the state of the special symbol game using the symbol variable display image on the liquid crystal display device 16, and data for determining which of the steps 12 to 20 is executed by the main CPU 31 is set. ing.

  Next, it progresses to step 12 and a special symbol memory | storage check process is performed. The special symbol memory check process is performed according to the flowchart shown in FIG. When the process starts, the main CPU 31 proceeds to step 21 to determine whether or not the control state flag is “00” indicating the special symbol storage check. If it is not “00”, the special symbol storage check process is terminated. If "00", the process proceeds to step 22, and it is determined whether or not the start storage information (the number of held balls) stored in the main RAM 33 is "0". If the number of held balls is "0", the process proceeds to step 23. The demo display process is performed in and the process ends. On the other hand, if the number of reserved balls is not “0”, the process proceeds to step 24 to set “01” indicating special symbol variation time management to the control state flag.

  Next, the process proceeds to step 25 where pre-processing for jackpot determination is performed. At this time, the main CPU 31 refers to the high probability flag for distinguishing whether the transition probability is high probability or normal probability, selects the corresponding jackpot determination table, and the game ball wins the start winning opening 9 The selected jackpot determination table is searched using the jackpot determination random number value extracted at times. Then, the process proceeds to step 26, and a jackpot determination process for determining whether or not the jackpot is made based on the search result of the jackpot determination table is performed. Here, if it is a big hit, the process proceeds to step 27 to perform a process for determining a big hit symbol, and if it is not a big hit, the process proceeds to step 28 to perform a process for determining a shifted symbol.

  In the big hit symbol determination process, the main CPU 31 obtains a special symbol from the random number value for the big hit symbol (not shown) and a special symbol determination table (a table storing the symbol command and the special symbol type in association with each other). Further, a symbol command corresponding to the determined special symbol is set as a transmission command to the sub-control circuit 40.

  Thereafter, when the main CPU 31 proceeds to step 29, the main CPU 31 searches a variation pattern table (not shown), determines a variation pattern command corresponding to the random value, and transmits it to the sub-control circuit 40. Subsequently, the process proceeds to step 30, where a table corresponding to the determination result of step 26 (big hit or miss) in the starting memory number display pattern determination tables 91 and 92 to be described later is searched, and the starting memory number related display area 163 is searched. A start memory number display pattern for the start memory number is determined. In the subsequent step 31, a start memory variation display command corresponding to the determined start memory number display pattern is set. In step 32, the main CPU 31 sets the variation time corresponding to the variation pattern determined in step 29 in the waiting time timer (t), and the special symbol storage check process is completed.

  Then, following the special symbol memory check process, the process proceeds to step 13 where a special symbol variation time management process is performed. In the special symbol variation time management process, the following processing is performed when the control state flag is “01” indicating special symbol variation time management, and if it is not “01”, the following processing is not performed. . That is, the main CPU 31 sets “02” indicating the special symbol display time management to the control state flag when the waiting time timer corresponding to the variation time becomes “0”, and sets the waiting time after confirmation (for example, 1 second). ) Is set in the waiting time timer (t), the special symbol variation time management process ends.

  Next, it progresses to step 14 and a special symbol display time management process is performed. In the special symbol display time management process, the following processing is performed when the control state flag is “02” indicating the special symbol display time management, and if it is not “02”, the following processing is not performed. . That is, the main CPU 31 sets “03” indicating the big hit start interval management to the control state flag when the big hit is “0” and the control state flag is “0”, and the time corresponding to the big hit start interval. (For example, 10 seconds, hereinafter referred to as “hit start response time”) is set in the waiting time timer, and when it is not a big win, the control state flag is set to “08” indicating the end of the special symbol game, and the special symbol display time management process Ends.

  And it progresses to step 15 and a big hit start interval management process is performed. In the jackpot start interval management process, when the control status flag is “03” indicating the jackpot start interval management, the jackpot 11 is opened after waiting for the jackpot start corresponding time. Further, when the main CPU 31 sets “04” indicating that the big winning opening is open to the control state flag and sets the opening upper limit time (for example, 30 seconds) in the big winning opening time timer, the big hit start interval management process is ended. .

  Next, the process proceeds to step 16 where a special winning opening opening process is performed. In the special prize opening opening process, the following process is performed when the control status flag is “04” indicating that the special prize opening is open, and if it is not “04”, the following process is not performed. . In other words, the main CPU 31 indicates that the grand prize winning counter is equal to or greater than the maximum winning number (for example, “10”) and that the upper limit opening time has passed (whether the big winning opening open time timer is “0”). When either of them is satisfied, “05” indicating monitoring of the winning ball in the winning a prize mouth is set in the control state flag, the closing process of the winning prize port 11 is performed, and after the monitoring time of the remaining ball in the winning prize mouth has elapsed, In order to execute step 17, the winning ball remaining ball monitoring time (for example, 1 second) is set in the waiting time timer. If it is not determined that both are satisfied, the process proceeds to step 17 without executing the above-described processing.

  In addition, when proceeding to step 17, the winning ball residual ball monitoring process is performed. In the winning ball residual ball monitoring process, the following processing is performed when the control state flag is “05” indicating monitoring of the winning ball residual ball, and if it is not “05”, the following processing is not performed. ing. The main CPU 31 determines whether the game ball has not passed through a specific area in the big winning opening when the remaining ball monitoring time in the big winning opening has elapsed, When this is satisfied, “07” indicating the big hit end interval is set in the control state flag. Also, a time corresponding to the big hit end interval (hereinafter referred to as “big hit end corresponding time”) is set in the waiting time timer, and step 19 is executed after the big hit end corresponding time has elapsed. If neither of them is satisfied, “06” indicating the management of reopening waiting time for the special winning opening is set in the control state flag. Also, the time corresponding to the interval between rounds is set in the waiting time timer.

  Then, the process proceeds to step 18 where waiting time management processing before reopening of the big winning opening is performed. In the waiting time management process before reopening the big winning opening, when the control state flag is “06” indicating the waiting time management before reopening the big winning opening, after the waiting time has elapsed, step 18 is executed as follows. Processing is performed, and if it is not “06”, the following processing is not performed. After the time corresponding to the interval between rounds has elapsed, the main CPU 31 adds “1” to the special winning opening opening number counter. Subsequently, the special winning opening is set to open, “04” indicating that the special winning opening is open is set in the control state flag, and when the special winning opening time timer (s) is set, the special winning opening is reopened. The pre-waiting time management process ends.

  Next, the process proceeds to step 19 to perform a big hit end interval process. In the big hit end interval processing, the following processing is performed when the control state flag is “07” indicating the big hit end interval, and if it is not “07”, the following processing is not performed. At this time, the main CPU 31 sets “08” indicating the end of the special symbol game to the control state flag after the elapse of the waiting time timer, the set of the jackpot end command indicating the end of the jackpot, and the command set according to the jackpot symbol I do.

  Next, when proceeding to step 20, special symbol game end processing is performed. Here, the following process is performed when the control state flag is data “08” indicating the special symbol game end process, and if it is not “08”, the process is not performed. The main CPU 31 updates the number of reserved balls so as to decrease by “1”. When “00” indicating the special symbol storage check is set in the control state flag, the storage area used for the current variation is further cleared, and the special symbol game end process is terminated.

  With the above, the special symbol control process in step 2 is completed, and the normal symbol control process shown in FIG. When the process is started, the normal symbol control state flag is read, and the normal symbol variable display time and the state of the stopped normal symbol are monitored according to the flag. And when the mode of the normal symbol is a predetermined mode, the variable indicating the opening and closing of the normal electric accessory is stored in the main RAM 33, and the normal symbol control process is terminated.

  Progressing to step 4 following step 3, random number update processing is performed. Here, random number update processing for updating the random symbol value for losing symbols, random value for reach determination, random number value for effect condition selection, and the like by a predetermined calculation method is performed, and the processing is terminated. Then, returning to step 2, the repeat routine is repeated.

(System timer interrupt processing procedure)
In the main control circuit 30, along with the main control process described above, a system timer interrupt process that interrupts the main control process is executed according to the flowchart shown in FIG. The operation procedure of the system timer interrupt process will be described below with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 10, when the pachinko gaming machine 1 starts the system timer interrupt process, in step 51, the program being executed in the main control process stored in the storage area (register) in the memory is temporarily saved. Then go to step 52. In step 52, the main CPU 31 performs a process of updating the random numbers used for the big hit determination and the variation pattern of the identification symbol, and in the subsequent step 53, a switch input detection process is performed.

  As shown in FIG. 11, the switch input detection process is terminated when a prize ball related switch check is performed at step 71, a special symbol related switch input process is performed at step 72, and a normal symbol related switch input process is performed at step 73. To do.

  When the special symbol-related switch input process is started, as shown in FIG. 12, it is determined in step 81 whether or not there is an input from the count switch 11CS, and if there is an input, the process proceeds to step 82. The process at the time of detecting the count switch is performed and the process proceeds to step 83. In step 83, it is determined whether or not there is an input from the start winning port switch 9S. If there is an input, the process proceeds to step 84 and processing for detecting the start port is performed. If there is no input, step 84 is executed. The special symbol related switch input process is terminated.

  And the process at the time of starting port detection in step 84 is performed as follows along the flowchart shown in FIG. When the start port detection process is started, the main CPU 31 proceeds to step 91 and stores it in the main RAM 33 with a predetermined number (in the present embodiment, “4” but may not be “4”) as an upper limit. It is determined whether or not the start memory counter for counting the number of start memories that can be made is greater than “4”, and when the start memory counter is greater than “4”, the process at the time of detecting the start port is terminated. Otherwise, go to step 92. When the routine proceeds to step 92, the value of the start memory counter is incremented by “1”, and the start memory information when the special symbol J cannot be displayed is stored. A random number value (a jackpot determination random number value or a jackpot symbol determination random number value) is stored in the main RAM 33 as startup storage information. Next, the routine proceeds to step 94, and the special symbol holding lamps R1 to R4 are used by using the value of the start memory counter, that is, the start memory number corresponding to the start memory information stored in the main RAM 33 (the number of start memory information). Thus, the first start memory number display command for informing the start memory number is set. In the subsequent step 95, a second start memory number display command for displaying the same number display image 100 to be described later is set in the start memory number related display area 163 using the value of the start memory counter. Processing at the time of detection ends. Then, the special symbol-related switch input process ends, and the process returns to FIG. In step 73, whether or not the game ball has passed through the normal symbol gate 10 is confirmed by an input from the operation gate switch 10S.

  When step 73 ends, the switch input detection process ends, and the flow returns to FIG. 10 to proceed to step 54 where timer update processing is performed. Here, a timer for synchronizing the main control circuit 30 and the sub control circuit 40 is updated, and in the subsequent step 55, game information data generation processing is performed to generate an output signal from the pachinko gaming machine 1 to a hall computer (not shown). To do. Subsequently, the process proceeds to step 56, where output processing is performed by controlling ON / OFF of each solenoid and motor based on the data stored in the main RAM 33, and in step 57, a design command, a variation pattern command, a start memory variation Command output for outputting various commands such as a display command for display, first and second start memory number display commands, and the like, and outputs various commands to the sub-control circuit 40. Further, following steps 58 and 59, a lamp control process (a process for outputting a lamp lighting signal to the sub-control circuit 40) and a payout process (a prize ball command including data indicating the number of prize balls is output to the payout device 81). Processing) are executed sequentially. The payout device 81 pays out a prize ball corresponding to the prize ball command. In step 60, the saved main control process program register is restored, and the main control process is resumed from the point where it was interrupted (saved). Further, the process proceeds to step 61 where the system timer interrupt process is completed when the variables, flags, etc. of the main RAM 33 are updated to permit the interrupt.

(Sub-control circuit operation procedure)
Next, the operation of the sub control circuit 40 will be described. The sub-control circuit 40 receives the command transmitted from the main control circuit 30 and performs symbol display control, sound control, lamp control, and the like. FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing a procedure of sub control processing repeatedly executed by the sub control circuit 40.

  As shown in FIG. 14, the sub CPU 41 sequentially executes steps 101 to 106 and performs initialization processing, random number update processing, command analysis control processing, display control processing, voice control processing, and lamp control processing. Then, steps 102 to 106 are repeatedly executed.

  In the voice control process, the sub CPU 41 instructs the voice control circuit 60 in accordance with the result of the command analysis process based on the command from the main control circuit 30, and outputs the voice from the speakers 18L and 18R. In this sound control process, the sound source IC 61 reads sound data from the sound data ROM 63, converts the sound data into a predetermined sound signal, and supplies the sound signal to the AMP 62. The AMP 62 amplifies the sound signal and generates sound from the speakers 18L and 18R.

  In the lamp control process, the sub CPU 41 instructs the lamp control circuit 70 in accordance with the result of the command analysis control process based on the command from the main control circuit 30, and turns on or off the decoration lamps 19L and 19R. In this lamp control process, the sub CPU 41 reads the lamp decoration pattern from the decoration data ROM 71 and blinks the decoration lamps 19L and 19R via the drive circuit 72. Further, based on the result of the command analysis process, the special symbol holding lamps R1 to R4 are turned on according to the first start memory number display command to notify the start memory number.

  Next, the command analysis control process will be described. FIG. 15 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of command analysis control processing. When the command analysis control process is started, the sub CPU 41 proceeds to step 110 to determine whether or not a command is received from the main control circuit 30. If the command is received, the sub CPU 41 proceeds to step 111, but must be received. Command analysis control processing ends. In step 111, it is determined whether or not the received command is the second start memory number display command. If the received command is the second start memory number display command, the process proceeds to step 112. Otherwise, the process proceeds to step 113. In step 112, normal display data corresponding to the received second start memory number display command is set, and the command analysis control process is terminated. In step 113, it is determined whether or not the received command is a start memory variation display command. If the received command is a start memory variation display command, the process proceeds to step 114. Otherwise, the process proceeds to step 115. In step 114, the change display data corresponding to the received start memory change display command is set, and the command analysis control process is terminated. In step 115, the process corresponding to the received command is executed, and then the command analysis control process is terminated. Here, for example, lighting data for turning on the special symbol holding lamps R1 to R4 is set in accordance with the first start memory number display command.

  Thus, the command analysis process is completed, and then the process returns to FIG. 14 and proceeds to step 104 where the display control process is performed. The display control process is a process for causing the liquid crystal display device 16 to perform image display based on the result of the command analysis process. In this case, the sub CPU 41 operates as the display control means, and the image display based on the result of the command analysis process is displayed on the image control circuit 50 using the normal display data and the change display data set in the command analysis process. The liquid crystal display device 16 displays the decorative design D, the same number display image 100, and the different number display images 101, 102A, B, and C described later.

  Here, the start memory number display pattern determination tables 91 and 92 will be described. As shown in FIG. 16, the start memory number display pattern determination tables 91 and 92 are for displaying the same number display image 100 or the different number display image 101 in the start memory number related display area 163 when the big hit determination process is performed. Are stored in association with random numbers, and three types of variation patterns (1) to (3) are registered respectively. In the variation pattern (1), the starting memory number is increased by “2” as in the different number display image 101, and the different number display image is displayed. In the variation pattern (2), the same number display images 100 are displayed by changing the display mode (for example, changing an elliptical symbol P1 described later to a star-shaped symbol not shown). In the variation pattern (3), the same number display images 100 as the start memory number are displayed.

  The starting memory number display pattern determination table 91 is searched in the case of a big hit, and the starting memory number display pattern determination table 92 is searched in the case of a loss, but in the latter, the random value range of the variation pattern (3) is set wide. Therefore, in the case of detachment, the same number display images 100 as the start memory number are easily displayed.

  Then, by performing the operation as described above, the lighting of the special symbol holding lamps R1 to R4 and the image display in the start memory number related display area 163 are as follows.

  First, although a game ball won at the start winning opening 9, there was a change in the starting memory number because the special symbol J could not be changed (for example, the starting memory number was increased by 1 from 2 to 3). And In this case, since the first and second start memory number display commands corresponding to the start memory number are output in the start port detection process, in this case, as shown in FIG. Among the symbol holding lamps R1 to R4, the special symbol holding lamp R3 is newly lit, R1 to R3 are lit, R4 is extinguished (the hatched display in the figure indicates lit), on the other hand, the number of starting memories In the related display area 163, the same number of display images 100 are displayed according to the normal display data. In this case, the same number display image 100 is an image (three elliptical symbols P1, P2) that can recognize a numerical value equal to the starting memory number (in this case, “3”) notified by lighting of the special symbol holding lamps R1 to R3. , P3 makes it possible to recognize “3”.

  Further, when a big hit lottery when a game ball is won in the start winning opening 9 or a big hit lottery by digesting the number of held balls is performed, the variation pattern based on the search result of the start memory number display pattern determination tables 91 and 92 described above. In accordance with the display data for variation corresponding to, the image display in the start memory number related display area 163 is performed.

  For example, it is assumed that one winning start storage information to be won in the big hit lottery is stored, and at that time, a game ball is won in the start winning opening 9 and a big hit lottery (digestion of the number of held balls) is performed. At this time, assuming that the variation pattern determined in step 30 is the variation pattern (1), in this case, as shown in FIG. In the related display area 163, the different number display image 101 is displayed. In this case, the different number display image 101 is an image (elliptical symbols P1 and P2) that can recognize a different numerical value “3” from the starting memory number (in this case “1”) notified by the lighting of the special symbol holding lamp R1. , An image having P3).

  Then, when the big hit lottery (digestion of the number of balls to be held) is performed based on the remaining one winning start memory information stored, as shown in FIGS. 18 (A), (B), (C), the special symbol hold The lamps R1 to R4 are all turned off, and the different number display images 102A, B, and C are displayed in the start memory number related display area 163 as if the number of reserved balls is three. In the different number display images 102A, B, and C, the decorative design D is made smaller, and in addition to that, the number of elliptical designs starts from two, P1 and P2, in the order of FIGS. 18 (A), (B), and (C). It is assumed that the number P1 is decreased stepwise, such as 1 and further 0, and the decorative symbol D is displayed three times. The different display images 102A, B, and C are also a series of effect images as if the two characters S1 and S2 facing each other compare and drink a beer mug with one hand, and finally the character S2 wins. Have. When the different number display images 102A, B, and C are displayed in order, an image in which the number of ellipse symbols gradually decreases from two is displayed, and the decorative symbol D is displayed as 777 in the last step. So, there is a number of reserved balls, and it is possible to perform a continuous predictive effect by digesting one reserved ball as if it was a big hit lottery when the last held ball number was digested . However, the continuous predictive effect in this case is only due to the different display images 102A, B, and C developed on the liquid crystal display device 16, and the special symbol holding lamps R1 to R4 are all turned off. Is from 1 to 0.

  As described above, in the pachinko gaming machine 1, the number of start memories can be recognized by the notification by the special symbol holding lamps R1 to R4 and the image display in the start memory number related display area 163 of the liquid crystal display device 16. . In the start memory number related display area 163, the same number display image 100 capable of recognizing a numerical value equal to the start memory number notified by the special symbol holding lamps R1 to R4, and a different number capable of recognizing a numerical value different from the start memory number. Display images 101 and 102 are displayed. Therefore, not only the correct starting memory number is displayed by the same number display image 100 of the starting memory number related display area 163 but also the different number display images 101 and 102 recognize a numerical value different from the starting memory number. An effect related to the start memory information can be performed. Further, since the different number display images 101 and 102 are displayed in the start memory number related display area 163 of the liquid crystal display device 16, they are used for a wide range of effects unlike LED display.

  Also, since the different number display image 102 is displayed when the winning start memory information that is won in the big win lottery is stored as the start memory information, the different number display image 102 is related to the start memory information. It is possible to produce an interesting production. That is, in the different number display image 102, as described above, it is possible to recognize a numerical value larger than the original starting memory number notified by the special symbol holding lamps R1 to R4 at the time of the big hit lottery, and the original starting memory. When the winning start memory information corresponding to the number is digested, it is displayed as if a continuous sign is being performed.

  In the above-described embodiment, an image capable of recognizing the start memory number is displayed in the start memory number related display area 163. However, not only the start winning opening 9 but also the normal symbol operation gate 10 is displayed. An image capable of recognizing the number of starting memories may be displayed by passing or the like. In addition, it is possible to produce an effect as if there was a winning game ball at the winning opening by the effect using the image display, and thereby display the start memory number related display area 163 by increasing the start memory number.

It is a perspective view which shows the pachinko game machine which concerns on embodiment of this invention from the front side. FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the pachinko gaming machine shown in FIG. 1. It is a perspective view which shows the pachinko game machine shown in FIG. 1 from the back side. It is a front view of the game board shown in FIG. It is a fragmentary sectional view of the pachinko gaming machine shown in FIG. It is a block block diagram which mainly shows the internal structure of a pachinko gaming machine. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of the main control process repeatedly performed by the main control circuit after turning on a power supply. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of a special symbol control process. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of a special symbol memory | storage check process. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of a system timer interruption process. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of a switch input detection process. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of a special symbol related switch input process. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of the process at the time of starting port detection. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of the sub control process repeatedly performed by the sub control circuit. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of command analysis control processing. It is a figure which shows a starting memory | storage number display pattern determination table, (A) is a figure for big hits, (B) is a figure which shows the table for losing. FIG. 6A is a diagram showing the notification by the special symbol holding lamp and the display of the start memory number related display area in association with each other. (A) is a case where the same number display image is displayed in the start memory number related display area, and (B) is different. It is a figure which shows the case where a number display image is displayed. It is the figure which shows the notification by the special symbol hold lamp and the display of the start memory number related display area in association with each other so that the continuous signs can be recognized. (A) is before the start of the continuous signs, (B) is (A) (C) is a diagram showing the continuation of (B).

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Pachinko machine 4 ... Game board 9 ... Start winning opening, 16 ... Liquid crystal display device 16a ... Display area, 30 ... Main control circuit 40 ... Sub control circuit, 31 ... Main CPU
32 ... main ROM, 33 ... main RAM
43 ... sub RAM, 41 ... sub CPU
42 ... Sub ROM, 163 ... Starting memory number related display area R1-R4 ... Special symbol hold lamp

Claims (2)

A game machine having an image display device for performing a change display and a stop display of an identification symbol, which is more advantageous for a player than a normal game state and can play a game in a specific game state different from the normal game state,
Lottery means for performing a jackpot lottery for determining whether or not the game state can be shifted from the normal game state to the specific game state;
A start winning opening that allows the lottery means to establish a starting condition for starting the jackpot lottery by winning a game ball;
Start memory means for storing start memory information corresponding to a winning of a game ball to the start winning opening when the display of the identification symbol cannot be performed, with a predetermined number as an upper limit;
Start memory number notifying means for notifying the start memory number corresponding to the start memory information stored in the start memory means;
Same number display image capable of recognizing a numerical value equal to the starting memory number notified by the starting memory number notifying means, and different number display capable of recognizing a numerical value different from the starting memory number notified by the starting memory number notifying means. A gaming machine comprising display control means for displaying an image on the image display device.   The display control means displays the different number display image when there is winning start storage information to be won in the big hit lottery in the start storage information stored in the start storage means. The gaming machine according to claim 1.

Images