JP2006305168A - Game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a game machine capable of preventing burdens on control processing from becoming large in judgement when shifting from a special game state to a normal game state. <P>SOLUTION: In a pachinko game machine 1, as game states, the normal game state and a big winning game state are set, and further a probability variable game state which is more easily shifted to the big winning game state than the normal game state is set. Big winning drawing is performed during the normal game state and during the probability variable game state, and falling drawing as judgement of a shift to the normal game state is performed during the probability variable game state. In a main control circuit 30, the big winning drawing and the falling drawing during the probability variable game state are performed by using the same random number value. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a gaming machine, and more particularly, to a gaming machine in which a special gaming state in which a transition from a normal gaming state to a big hit gaming state is easier than a normal gaming state is set.

  In gaming machines such as pachinko machines and slot machines, which are ball game machines, a specific gaming state in which many prize balls can be obtained (big hit gaming state) and a normal state in which there are few opportunities to obtain prize balls (normal gaming state) ) Are known. Since it is easier to obtain more prize balls when in the big hit game state, the player plays a game aiming to shift from the normal state to the big hit game state, and increases interest. In addition, after the big hit gaming state is finished, it does not always shift to the normal gaming state, but as a special gaming state that is more easily shifted to the big hit gaming state than the normal gaming state or the normal gaming state, A gaming machine that shifts to a gaming state or a time-saving (hereinafter referred to as “time saving”) gaming state is also known. As such gaming machines, there are many known machines in which the probability variation gaming state continues until the transition to the jackpot gaming state when transitioning to the probability variation gaming state after the jackpot gaming state.

On the other hand, there is a gaming machine disclosed in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2003-169922. In this gaming machine, the first probability and the second probability higher than the first probability are set as the special symbol occurrence probability. When the special symbol occurrence probability is the first probability, it corresponds to the normal gaming state, and when it is the second probability, it corresponds to the special gaming state. In addition, there is provided probability variation end random number acquisition means for acquiring a probability variation end random number for changing the special symbol occurrence probability from the second probability to the first probability. Then, it is determined whether or not to change from the second probability to the first probability based on the probability variation end random number acquired by the probability variation end random number acquisition means.
JP 2003-169922 A

  However, the gaming machine disclosed in Patent Document 1 includes a probability variation end random number acquisition unit that acquires a probability variation end random number for changing from the second probability to the first probability. In this probability variation random number acquisition means, since a random number for ending probability variation is acquired, there is a problem that the burden on the control processing corresponding to that increases.

  Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a gaming machine that can prevent a burden on control processing from becoming large when making a determination when shifting from a special gaming state to a normal gaming state.

  The gaming machine according to the present invention that has solved the above problems is, as a gaming state, a normal gaming state, a big hit gaming state that is more advantageous to the player than the normal gaming state, and a special game that is more likely to shift to a big hit gaming state than the normal gaming state. A gaming machine in which a gaming state is set, and when a predetermined random number acquisition condition is satisfied, a random number acquisition unit that acquires a random number value, and the random value acquired by the random number acquisition unit is a predetermined jackpot The game state transition winning random number value, the jackpot gaming state transition determination means for determining to shift to the jackpot gaming state, and the random number value acquired by the random number acquisition means during the special gaming state is the jackpot gaming state transition Special game that is determined to shift from the special game state to the normal game state when the special game state end winning random number value is set to a random number value different from the winning random value Special gaming state end determining means for performing state end determination, and gaming state transition control means for controlling transition of the gaming state based on the determination results of the big hit gaming state transition determining means and the special gaming state end determining means. It is a feature.

  In the gaming machine according to the present invention, the random number acquired by the random number acquisition means is used in determining whether or not the special gaming state is to be shifted from the special gaming state to the normal gaming state. The random number acquired by the random number acquisition means is also used for determining whether or not to shift from the normal gaming state or the special gaming state to the big hit gaming state. As described above, the random number acquired by the random number acquisition means is used for the special game state transition determination and the big hit game state transition determination. For this reason, since it is not necessary to provide a random number acquisition means for determining the transition from the special gaming state to the normal gaming state, the burden on the control processing is required when performing the determination when shifting from the special gaming state to the normal gaming state. It can be prevented from growing.

  In addition, if the random number acquired by the random number acquisition means is separately determined for the transition from the special gaming state to the normal gaming state and the transition from the normal gaming state or the special gaming state to the big hit gaming state, both transition judgments There are cases where you win. Therefore, the subsequent processing in the case where both transition determinations are won is necessary. In this regard, in the gaming machine according to the present invention, the special gaming state end winning random number value is set to a random number value different from the jackpot gaming state transition winning random number value. For this reason, since both the transition determination from the special gaming state to the normal gaming state and the transition determination from the normal gaming state to the big hit gaming state are not won, subsequent processing when both transition determinations are won Can be made unnecessary. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the burden on the control process from increasing accordingly.

  Here, a display device that displays the transition of the gaming state, a main control unit that controls the progress of the game, and an effect display control unit that controls display of the effect display on the display device based on a control signal from the main control unit, The main control means includes a jackpot gaming state transition determination means and a special gaming state end determination means, and a special gaming state indicating a determination result for ending the special gaming state determined by the special gaming state end determination means The effect display control means includes a signal receiving means for receiving a special gaming state end signal transmitted from the main control means, and an effect for causing the display device to perform a predetermined effect display. The effect display pattern storage means stores a plurality of display patterns, and the effect display pattern storage means records based on the special game state end signal received by the signal receiving means. Effect display pattern determining means for determining an effect display pattern to be displayed on the display device from a plurality of effect display patterns, and the effect display control means follows the effect display pattern determined by the effect display pattern determining means It can be set as the aspect which performs the display control which displays an effect display on a display apparatus.

  When notifying the player of the transition of the gaming state, the display device has effect display control means for controlling display of a predetermined effect display. Since this effect display control means is provided separately from the main control means for controlling the progress of the game, the load on the main control means can be prevented from increasing. In addition, since the effect display control means provides an effect display indicating that the state has shifted from the special game state to the normal game state, it is possible to improve the interest of the game.

  Further, it has a symbol display control means for variably displaying the identification symbol in the display device based on a control signal from the main control means, and the symbol display control means stores a plurality of identification symbols that can be displayed on the display device. A symbol determining unit for determining an identification symbol to be displayed on the display device from a plurality of identification symbols stored in the symbol storing unit based on the special gaming state end signal received by the display signal receiving unit; The display control means may be configured to perform display control for causing the display device to display the identification symbol determined by the symbol determining means.

  Thus, by displaying a predetermined identification symbol using the symbol display control means, it is possible to notify the player of the transition of the gaming state, but the symbol display control means is provided separately from the main control means. Therefore, the load on the main control means can be prevented from becoming large. In addition, since the symbol display control means provides an effect display indicating the transition from the special game state to the normal game state, it is possible to improve the interest of the game.

  According to the gaming machine according to the present invention, it is possible to prevent a burden on the control processing from becoming large when making a determination when shifting from the special gaming state to the normal gaming state.

  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 a first 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. 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 a predetermined operation.

  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 a game nail P (see FIG. 5) or 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 (see FIG. 2) in which a game ball flows down in a game state, and a number of game nails that change the flow direction of the game ball in the game area 4a. Is provided. Further, as shown in FIG. 4, on the game area 4a, on the center line that divides the game board surface to the left and right, and in the center in the height direction, a start winning port 8 that is a jackpot determining winning port is provided. In addition, a variable start winning opening 9 is provided below the start winning opening 8, which is a fall determination winning opening and also serves as a jackpot determining winning opening. Further, a normal symbol operating gate 10 is provided on the left side of the center line and in the center in the height direction.

  Further, a large winning opening 11 is provided at a position slightly below the variable starting winning opening 9, and general winning openings 12 a to 12 d are provided beside the starting winning opening 8. Further, an out port 13 is provided at the lower end of the central portion of the game area 4a.

  In the start winning opening 8, a game ball can be won. The start winning port 8 is provided with a start winning port switch 8S (FIG. 6) which is a jackpot determining winning port detecting means. When the game ball wins the start winning port 8, the start winning port switch 8S A game ball is detected. When the start winning port switch 8S detects a game ball, the main CPU 31 in the main control circuit 30 as the main control means extracts a big hit determination random number value for determining the big hit, and determines the shift to the big hit gaming state. Make a lottery. As described above, the game ball is won at the start winning opening, and the start winning ball switch 8S detects the game ball, thereby satisfying the random number acquisition condition. The main CPU 31 constitutes a random number acquisition unit and a jackpot gaming state transition determination unit.

  The variable start winning opening 9 is a so-called electric accessory (electric tulip) having a pair of openable and closable blades. The variable start winning port 9 is a state where a pair of blades are closed, a game ball can be won, but it is difficult to win, and when the blades are open, a game ball is easy to win. Easy state. The variable start winning opening 9 is provided with a variable start winning opening switch 9S (FIG. 6) which is a fall determining winning opening detecting means and also serves as a big hit determining winning opening detecting means. When the ball wins, the variable start winning port switch 9S detects the game ball. When the variable start winning port switch 9S detects a game ball, the main CPU 31 in the main control circuit 30 performs a big hit lottery for determining the transition to the big hit gaming state, and when in the probability changing gaming state, the special gaming state end lottery ( (Hereinafter referred to as “falling lottery”). The main CPU 31 constitutes a special gaming state end determination means.

  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 normal symbol hit determination is performed by extracting the normal symbol per-determination random value, and the winning determination is won, the normal symbol is displayed for the normal symbol N and the variable start winning opening 9 is provided. The pair of blades opens for a predetermined number of seconds.

  The jackpot 11 is a so-called attacker-type opening / closing device that performs jackpot determination based on the above-mentioned random number for jackpot determination, when a special symbol becomes a jackpot display result, and the gaming state becomes a jackpot state, The closed shutter is opened and closed in a predetermined manner, and when a game ball enters (wins), a predetermined number of game balls (for example, 15 balls) are used as a winning opening as a trigger.

  The general winning ports 12a to 12d 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). These general winning ports 12 a to 12 d are provided on the translucent substrate 15.

  The general winning ports 12a to 12d 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 13 receives a game ball that has not entered any of the start winning port 8, the variable start winning port 9, the big winning port 11, the general winning ports 12a to 12d, and the like.

  As shown in FIG. 5, the game board 4 includes a light-transmitting substrate 15. The light-transmitting substrate 15 is formed of a synthetic resin such as polycarbonate or other transparent member (translucent member). It has a transparent part. 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 is fixed to the translucent substrate 15 with at least a tip embedded therein, and an area formed by the translucent substrate 15 and the glass plate 5a of the front door 5 is a game area 4a. . Further, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 5, a liquid crystal display device 16, which is a display device having a large-screen display area 16 a for displaying various image information, is disposed on the back side of the translucent substrate 15. Yes. That is, the image displayed on the liquid crystal display device 16 passes through a portion of the translucent substrate 15 where the game nail P is not provided at the center and a portion where the game nail P is provided in the vicinity thereof. Can be viewed from the front side of the pachinko gaming machine 1.

  In the display area 16a, as shown in FIG. 4, a game state notification symbol I and a decorative symbol D serving as an identification symbol of the present invention are variably displayed. The decorative design D is displayed largely at the center of the display area 16a. The decorative symbol D is a symbol string composed of a plurality of three-digit numeral strings having three symbol elements in the present embodiment, and has a left symbol DL, a middle symbol DC, and a right symbol DR as symbol elements. The decorative symbol D is configured by a combination of the left symbol DL, the middle symbol DC, and the right symbol DR, which are these symbol elements. Hereinafter, in this specification, the left symbol DL, the middle symbol DC, and the right symbol DR may be collectively referred to as symbol elements DL, DC, and DR.

  All of the symbol elements DR, DC, DL in the decorative symbol D are in the order of “0” → “1” → “2” →... → “9” → “0” → “1” →. Sequentially variably displayed at high speed. On the other hand, in addition to the decorative pattern D, a background image, a character image, and the like are displayed in the display area 16a. In addition, the “variable display” here is a concept that is displayed in a variable manner, for example, “variable display” that is actually changed, “stop display” that is actually stopped, and the like. Is possible.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 5, members such as a winning ball assembly assembly 17 that guides a winning ball to a winning ball sensor to a winning ball sensor are disposed on the back side of the lower side of the translucent substrate 15. Yes. In order to make the members such as the winning ball assembly assembly 17 invisible to the player, a cell sheet 14 made of, for example, CAB (cellulose acetobutyrate) is stretched on the back surface of the translucent substrate 15 to form an opaque region.

  Thus, the translucent substrate 15 does not need to be the entire transparent portion, and may have a portion having a portion with low light transmittance or a region with zero light transmittance. In addition to the cell sheet 14 on the back side, a pattern layer or a color layer is formed by applying coating or physical vapor deposition or chemical vapor deposition on the surface in addition to the cell sheet 14 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 that output sound effects and voices for notifying the player that a predetermined gaming state has been reached, above the liquid crystal display device 16. As shown in FIG. 4, at the lower part of the game board 4, the lamps are lent out by the decorative lamps 19L and 19R which notify that a predetermined gaming state is turned on / off in a predetermined pattern, and the card unit 84 described above. A payout device 81 (see FIG. 6) for paying out the game balls won by the game ball and the start winning port 8, the variable start winning port 9, the big winning port 11, and the general winning ports 12a to 12d to the upper plate 6a is provided. is doing.

  Further, on the back side of the pachinko gaming machine 1, as shown in FIG. 3, a main control board 21 including a main control circuit 30 that determines whether or not to shift to a game state advantageous to the player (big hit game state). A sub-control board 22 having a sub-control circuit 40 for controlling effects such as video and audio, a pay-out / firing control board 23 having a pay-out / firing control circuit 80 for controlling pay-out / firing of game balls, and a power source for supplying power A supply unit 24, a power switch 25, a backup clear switch 26, and a mode changeover switch 27 are arranged.

  Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 4, four special symbol reservation lamps R1 to R4 for notifying the number of reserved balls are provided at the top of the display area 16a, and the two special symbol reservation lamps R1, R2 on the left side are provided. A special symbol display device 16b for displaying the special symbol J and the normal symbol N is provided between the two right special symbol holding lamps R3 and R4. The special symbol J is a symbol indicating the result of the determination of whether or not it is a big hit. As the special symbol J, three types of symbols “−”, “H”, and “F” are displayed. Moreover, the normal symbol N is displayed by the color of the LED lamp arrange | positioned to the side of the display position of the special symbol J. Further, normal symbol holding lamps r1 to r4 are provided between the special symbol display device 16b and the display area 16a.

  Among these special symbols J, “H” and “F” are jackpot special symbols. In particular, “H” is usually a special jackpot special symbol, and “F” is a special jackpot special symbol. In addition, “−” is a special symbol that is off. Further, the normal symbol N becomes a normal symbol when the LED lamp is lit red, and becomes a normal symbol when it is lit green.

  The decorative symbol D that is stopped and displayed in the display area 16a corresponds to the special symbol J. When the special symbol J is “−”, the three-digit numeric character string is a non-zero digit character string. ) Is stopped and the special symbol J is “3”, the even number three digit number string (ordinary jackpot corresponding symbol) or a predetermined numeric string including special symbol elements is stopped and displayed. When J is “7”, a stop display of a predetermined number string including a three-digit number string of odd numbers (symbol corresponding to probability variation big hit) or a special symbol element is made.

  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 command output port 35 constitutes a signal transmission unit.

  The main CPU 31 inputs a detection signal of a game ball from a count switch 11CS, which will be described later, and operates according to a control program stored in the main ROM 32, so that a pachinko game such as a big hit lottery or a prize ball discharge in the pachinko gaming machine 1 is performed. It controls the operation of the entire gaming machine 1 and transmits various commands to the sub control circuit 40 via the command output port 35. The main CPU 31 performs transition control between the normal gaming state and the big hit gaming state which is a specific gaming state that is more advantageous to the player than the normal gaming state based on the result of the big hit lottery or the digestion of the gaming state.

  As the gaming state, a jackpot gaming state, a normal gaming state, and a specific gaming state are set, and as the specific gaming state, a probability variation gaming state and a short-time gaming state are set. In the probability variation gaming state, the winning probability of the big hit lottery in the main CPU 31 is set higher than in the normal gaming state, so that it is easier to shift to the big hit gaming state. In addition, the variation time of the normal symbol is shortened, and the probability of winning the normal symbol is set high, which makes it easier to open the blades of the variable start winning opening 9 per unit time than in the normal gaming state. In this case, it is easy to change to an easy winning state, and the winning ratio to the variable start winning opening 9 is increased. The main CPU 31 constitutes a jackpot determining variable winning device control means and a fall determining variable winning device control means.

  In the short-time gaming state, the number of changes in the special symbol is increased in a short time by setting the winning probability of the normal symbol higher than that in the normal gaming state or by shortening the variation time of the normal symbol. Further, the blades of the variable start winning opening 9 are easily opened per unit time, and the winning ratio to the variable start winning opening 9 is increased. Thus, by making it possible to perform many jackpot lotteries in a short time, as a result, it is easy to shift to the jackpot gaming state.

  The main CPU 31 performs transition control of these gaming states. Specifically, in the big hit gaming state, when a predetermined big hit gaming state end condition is satisfied, the gaming state is shifted to either the probability changing gaming state or the short-time gaming state. Further, in the case of the probability variation gaming state or the short-time gaming state, a big hit shown in FIG. 7 is made on condition that a game ball wins the variable start winning slot 9 and the variable start winning slot switch 9S detects this game ball. A predetermined jackpot lottery and falling lottery are performed with reference to the determination table.

  A predetermined random number generating program is stored in the main ROM 32. When the start winning port switch 8S or the variable start winning port switch 9S detects a game ball, the main CPU 31 stores a plurality of random numbers, 0 to 0 in this embodiment. One jackpot determination random number is obtained from a jackpot determination random number counter having random numbers up to 299. By referring to the jackpot determination random number acquired here in the jackpot determination table shown in FIG. 7, the game state transition control is performed.

  For example, when the random number “7” is acquired during the normal gaming state or the short-time gaming state, the gaming state is shifted to the big hit gaming state. Further, when the random numbers “3”, “5”, “7”, “11”, and “13” are acquired during the probability variation gaming state, the gaming state is shifted to the big hit gaming state. Further, when the random numbers “0”, “2”, “4”, “6”, “8”, and “10” are acquired during the probability variation gaming state, the gaming state is shifted to the normal gaming state. In addition, if the jackpot lottery is performed a predetermined number of times, for example, 50 times without shifting to the jackpot gaming state during the short-time gaming state, the gaming state is then shifted to the normal gaming state. In this way, the main CPU 31 controls which of the normal gaming state, the probability variation gaming state, and the short-time gaming state is to be transferred. Further, the main control circuit 30 transmits a determination command including “falling” or “non-falling” indicating the result of the falling lottery performed in the main CPU 31 to the sub-control circuit 40.

  Further, the main CPU 31 causes the special symbol display device 16b to display the special symbol selected from the special symbol determination table shown in FIG. The main CPU 31 determines the special symbol with reference to the special symbol determination table shown in FIG. If the winner is selected in the big hit lottery, “-” is selected from the special symbol determination table and displayed as a special symbol on the special symbol display device 16b shown in FIGS. In addition, when the big hit lottery is won and the big hit is selected, the probability variation determination lottery is performed separately from the random numbers used in the big hit lottery. In performing the probability variation determination lottery, for example, one probability variation determination random number is acquired from a random number of 0 to 9, as a plurality of probability variation determination random numbers. At this time, if the random number value of the obtained probability variation random number is an even number, the symbol “H” that is usually a big hit is selected and displayed on the special symbol display device 16b. If the acquired random number is an odd number, the symbol “F” that is a probable big hit is selected and displayed on the special symbol display device 16b. In this probability change determination lottery, a lottery is performed at the timing when the game state wins the start winning ports 8 and 9, and it is also performed when the big hit lottery is lost, but when the lottery is lost, The extracted random number value becomes unnecessary and is discarded as it is.

  Further, the main CPU 31 determines a symbol command based on the selected special symbol. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 8, when the selected special symbol is “−” corresponding to the loss, the symbol command is determined as z0. When the selected special symbol is “H” corresponding to the normal jackpot, the symbol command is determined to be z1. Further, when the selected special symbol is “F” corresponding to the probability variation jackpot, the symbol command is determined as z2. The main control circuit 30 transmits the symbol command determined by the main CPU 31 to the sub control circuit 40.

  Further, the main CPU 31 determines a variation pattern command with reference to the variation pattern table shown in FIG. Specifically, the variation pattern determination lottery is performed separately from the big hit lottery and the probability variation determination lottery. In the variation pattern determination lottery, one variation pattern determination random number is acquired from a plurality of random numbers, for example, 0 to 99. The fluctuation pattern is determined based on the fluctuation pattern determination random number acquired here, the winning of the big hit lottery, and the winning of the falling lottery.

  Specifically, when the player wins the big hit lottery and loses the falling lottery, any one of “h0” to “h4” is determined as the variation pattern command by the variation pattern determination random number. For example, when the variation pattern determination random number is any one of “0” to “69”, “h0” is determined as the variation pattern command. At this time, if the variation pattern determination random number is any one of “70” to “89”, “h1” is determined as the variation pattern command. Furthermore, when the variation pattern command is any one of “90” to “96”, “h2” is determined as the variation pattern command, and the variation pattern command is any one of “97” to “99”. In this case, “h3” is determined as the variation pattern command.

  In addition, when the winning lottery is lost and the falling lottery is won, either “h0” or “h4” is determined as the variation pattern command by the variation pattern determination random number. For example, when the variation pattern determination random number is any one of “0” to “89”, “h0” is determined as the variation pattern command. Furthermore, when the variation pattern determination random number is any one of “90” to “99”, “h4” is determined as the variation pattern command.

  On the other hand, when the big hit lottery is won, any one of the fluctuation pattern commands “h5” to “h9” is determined as the fluctuation pattern command by the fluctuation pattern determination random number regardless of the winning of the falling lottery. Specifically, when the variation pattern determining random number is any one of “0” to “9”, “h5” is determined as the variation pattern command. At this time, if the variation pattern determination random number is any one of “10” to “69”, “h6” is determined as the variation pattern command. Further, when the variation pattern command is any one of “70” to “98”, “h7” is determined as the variation pattern command, and when the variation pattern command is “99”, the variation pattern command is “H8” is determined. The main control circuit 30 transmits the variation pattern command determined in this way by the main CPU 31 to the sub control circuit 40.

  The main ROM 32 stores a control program executed by the main CPU 31 and permanent data. The main ROM 32 stores a jackpot determination table shown in FIG. 7, a special symbol determination table shown in FIG. 8, a variation pattern determination table shown in FIG. The main RAM 33 temporarily stores data and programs used when the main CPU 31 operates. The main RAM 33 is provided with a transmission buffer for transmitting various commands such as symbol commands and variation pattern commands to the sub-control circuit 40. 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 12S outputs to the main control circuit 30 a detection signal of a game ball won in each of the general winning openings 12a to 12d. 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 8S outputs the detection signal of the game ball won in the start winning port 8 to the main control circuit 30, and the variable start winning port switch 9S performs the main control on the detection signal of the game ball won in the variable start winning port 9. Output to the circuit 30. A game ball is awarded to the start winning port 8 or the variable start winning port 9, and the start winning port switch 8S or the variable start winning port switch 9S detects the game ball is the start condition of the decorative symbol.

  The variable start opening solenoid 9L opens and closes a pair of blades provided in the variable start winning opening 9, and the large winning opening solenoid 11L opens and closes a shutter provided in 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.

  Further, in the pachinko gaming machine 1, when the start winning port switch 8S or the variable start winning port switch 9S detects the winning of the game ball and transmits a detection signal, the main control circuit 30 receives the detection signal. The main CPU 31 in the control circuit 30 performs the jackpot lottery. Further, when the variable start winning a prize opening switch 9S detects a game ball during the probability variation gaming state, a falling lottery is also performed. While the big hit lottery and the falling lottery based on the detection signal are being performed, the main CPU 31 holds a maximum of four detection signals and lights up the same number of special symbol holding lamps R1 to R4 as the number of the holding signals. The main CPU 31 constitutes a game state transition determination unit.

  Furthermore, when the big hit of the result of the big hit lottery is a normal big hit, after the specific gaming state is finished, the game shifts to the short-time gaming state. Further, when the big hit is a probable big hit, the game shifts to the probable change gaming state after the specific gaming state ends. On the other hand, when the result of the big hit lottery is out of control, the open / close control of the big winning device is not performed, but when the big hit is won, the big winning port 11 is controlled to open / close.

  The sub-control circuit 40 inputs a command from the main control circuit 30 and performs control necessary for effects such as variable display of identification symbols, reach effects, and notice effects using the liquid crystal display device 16 according to the input commands. The predetermined image is displayed on the liquid crystal display device 16. 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 constitutes an effect display control means.

  The sub-control circuit 40 is mainly composed of a 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. Yes. Further, a mode changeover switch 27 is connected to the sub control circuit 40. The command input port 48 constitutes signal receiving means.

  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 in the mode The power supply unit 24 is controlled in accordance with signals from the selector switch 27, the selection 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. Further, the sub RAM 43 is provided with a reception buffer for storing various commands such as symbol commands and variation pattern commands transmitted from the main control circuit 30.

  The sub ROM 42 stores a decorative symbol determination table for determining the decorative symbol D, and the sub ROM 42 constitutes symbol storage means. The decorative symbol determination table includes a jackpot decorative symbol determination table shown in FIG. 10 and a loss decorative symbol determination table shown in FIGS. Further, the falling decorative design determining table includes the non-falling decorative design determining table shown in FIG. 11 and the falling decorative design determining table shown in FIG.

  The jackpot decorative symbol determination table shown in FIG. 10 is a table that is referred to when the symbol command transmitted from the main control circuit 30 is z1 or z2. One of the symbol sequences is selected from the normal jackpot symbol composed of a three-digit symbol sequence. Further, when the probability variation big hit with the symbol command z2 is selected, one of the symbol rows is selected from the probability variation big hit symbols composed of an odd three-digit symbol row.

  11 is a table that is referred to when the determination command transmitted from the main control circuit 30 is “non-falling”, and is shown in FIG. 11A. The left symbol determination table shown in FIG. 11, the middle symbol determination table shown in FIG. 11B, and the right symbol determination table shown in FIG. In these left middle right symbol determination tables, left middle right symbols are determined in the left middle right symbol determination table, respectively, and when the same numeric symbol is selected as each symbol of the left middle right symbol, the selection is performed again. .

  12 is a table that is referred to when the determination command transmitted from the main control circuit 30 is “falling”, and is added one by one in the order of left, middle, and right. One of the symbol sequences is determined from the numerical sequence (such as “123” and “234”).

  The sub CPU 41 selects the symbols selected from the special symbol determination table transmitted from the main control circuit 30 transmitted from the main control circuit 30 stored in the sub ROM 42 among the symbol determination tables shown in FIGS. The decorative symbol is determined with reference to the symbol determination table corresponding to the command. The sub CPU 41 serves as a symbol determination unit.

  Further, the sub CPU 41 variably displays each symbol element in the decorative symbol based on the determined decorative symbol and the variation pattern command transmitted from the main control circuit 30, and performs display control from the variation display to the stop display. Do. The sub CPU 41 constitutes symbol display control means.

  Further, the sub ROM 42 stores a display pattern table shown in FIG. In the display pattern table, various display patterns corresponding to the variation pattern command and the determination command transmitted from the main control circuit 30 are stored. In addition, the sub ROM 42 stores various patterns corresponding to the variation content corresponding to the variation pattern command transmitted from the main control circuit 30 as the effect pattern. Further, the sub CPU 41 causes the liquid crystal display device 16 to display a display pattern and an effect pattern corresponding to the variation pattern command transmitted from the main control circuit 30 from among the display patterns and the effect patterns stored in the sub ROM 42. The sub ROM 42 constitutes effect pattern storage means, and the sub CPU 41 constitutes effect pattern determination means.

  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 (image data) indicating decorative symbols, special symbols, characters, backgrounds, etc., and the image data ROM 54b stores image data for displaying various image data on the liquid crystal display device 16. Is remembered. Of these, a normal game state image for displaying the normal game state and a probability change game state image for displaying the probability change game state are stored as background images. The VDP 51 reads image data corresponding to the decorative symbols and special symbols output from the sub CPU 41 from the image data ROMs 54a and 54b, and causes the liquid crystal display device 16 to display images such as symbols based on the image data.

  The audio control circuit 60 includes a sound source IC 61, an amplifier (hereinafter referred to as “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 AMP 62 amplifies the audio signal generated by the sound source IC 61 to an appropriate level, supplies the amplified audio signal to the speakers 18L and 18R, and outputs the audio. The sound data ROM 63 stores data (sound data) such as music, sound, and sound effects used for the notice effect, reach effect, jackpot effect, and the like.

  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 / firing control circuit 80 operates the payout device 81 and the launching device 82 having the firing handle 6c and the firing motor under the control of the main control circuit 30 to pay out a predetermined number of game balls as prize balls. The game ball is fired 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 according to the control of the sub control circuit 40, and the payout / fire control circuit is turned on when the mode switch 27 is turned on. 80, restricting power supply to the main control circuit 30;

(Operation details of pachinko machines)
Next, among the operation contents of the pachinko gaming machine 1, the procedure of 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. 14 is a flowchart (main flowchart) showing an operation procedure of main control processing repeatedly executed by the main control circuit 30 after power is turned on in the pachinko gaming machine 1.

(Operation procedure of main control processing)
As shown in FIG. 14, in the pachinko gaming machine 1, the main CPU 31 of the main control circuit 30 starts main control processing with power-on, performs initial setting processing (S1), and then performs special symbol control processing (S2). )I do. This special symbol control process will be described later. Thereafter, normal symbol control processing is performed (S3), and then random number update processing is performed (S4). Thereafter, the process proceeds to an iterative routine for sequentially executing the processes of steps S2 to S4. In this main control process, a random number used in the main control process is mainly updated. Therefore, a system timer interrupt process is interrupted and executed periodically (for example, every 2 ms) on condition of setting of an interrupt permission flag. The Various commands such as symbol commands 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, first, a control state flag is loaded (S11). This control state flag is a flag indicating the state of the special symbol game using the variable display image of the symbol on the liquid crystal display device 16, and data for determining which of the subsequent steps the main CPU 31 executes is included. Is set.

  Next, a special symbol memory check process (S12) is performed according to the procedure of the flowchart shown in FIG. When the special symbol memory check process is started, the main CPU 31 determines whether or not the control state flag is data “00” indicating the special symbol memory check (S21). As a result, if it is not “00”, the process is terminated. If it is “00”, it is determined whether or not the reserved number is “0” (S22). As a result, if the reserved number is “0”, a demo display process is performed (S23), and then the process ends. On the other hand, if the reserved number is not “0”, data “01” indicating special symbol variation time management is set in the control state flag (S24).

  When the data “01” indicating the special symbol variation time management is set in the control state flag, it is determined whether or not the high probability flag (flag set at the time of probability change) is set (S25). As a result, if it is determined that the high probability flag is set, a probability change big hit determination process is performed (S26). In the jackpot determination processing for probability change, the main CPU 31 displays one jackpot determination random number obtained from the jackpot determination counter when the start winning port switch 8S or the variable start winning port switch 9S detects winning of a game ball. Whether or not the big hit lottery is won is determined with reference to the big hit determination table shown in FIG.

  In the promiscuous big hit determination process, five random numbers “3”, “5”, “7”, “11”, and “13” are set as the big hit random numbers. If the acquired big hit determination random numbers are these big hit random numbers, it is determined that the big hit lottery has been won, and if it is a random number other than the big hit random numbers, it is determined that the big hit lottery has been lost.

  After the probability change big hit determination process is performed, a falling lottery process is performed (S27). The falling lottery process is performed using the jackpot determination random number and the jackpot determination table used in the jackpot determination process for probability change when the variable start winning port switch 9S detects the winning of the game ball. In the falling lottery process, six random numbers “0”, “2”, “4”, “6”, “8”, and “10” are set as falling random numbers. In the falling lottery process, if the acquired jackpot determination random numbers are these falling random numbers, the high probability flag is cleared. On the other hand, when the acquired big hit determination random number is a random number other than the fall random number, the high probability flag is maintained.

  As described above, the probability change jackpot determination process and the falling lottery process are both performed using the jackpot determination random number and the jackpot determination table. For this reason, the amount of processing in the main CPU 31 can be reduced, and the burden on the control processing of the main control circuit 30 can be prevented from increasing.

  Also, different random numbers are set as the big hit random numbers won in the chance change big hit lottery and the falling random numbers won in the falling lottery. For this reason, when winning a big hit lottery at the time of probability change (when the high probability flag is set), it will not win the falling lottery, and the winning lottery will be won only when you win the big hit lottery Has been. Therefore, while winning the jackpot lottery, there will be no situation such as winning the falling lottery, and the subsequent processing in the case of winning both the jackpot lottery processing for the probability change and the falling lottery processing is unnecessary. Can be. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the burden on the control processing in the main control circuit 30 from increasing correspondingly.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S25 that the high probability flag is not set, a normal jackpot determination process is performed (S28). In the normal jackpot determination process, the main CPU 31 obtains one jackpot determination random number from a plurality of random numbers, and refers to the jackpot determination random number in the jackpot determination table shown in FIG. Judgment is made. In the normal big hit determination process, only one random number “7” is set as the big hit random number. When the acquired big hit determination random number is this big hit random number, it is determined that the big hit lottery is won, and when it is a random number other than the big hit random number, it is determined that the big hit lottery is lost.

  When the fall determination process or the normal jackpot determination process is performed in this way, a symbol determination process is performed (S29). In the symbol determination process, referring to the jackpot determination result in step S26 or step S28, the symbol is determined based on whether the jackpot is a big hit or not, or, if it is a jackpot, whether it is a probability variable jackpot or a normal jackpot. decide. When the jackpot determination result is a normal jackpot, “H” is selected as the special symbol from the special symbol determination table shown in FIG. 8 and the symbol command z1 is selected and output to the sub-control circuit 40. On the other hand, when it is a probable big hit, “F” is selected as the special symbol and the symbol command z2 is selected, and the symbol command is set in the transmission buffer provided in the RAM 33.

  If the big hit determination result is out of place, “-” is selected as the special symbol from the special symbol determination table shown in FIG. 8 and the symbol command z0 is selected, and the symbol command is sent to the transmission buffer provided in the RAM 33. Set.

  Thereafter, the main CPU 31 determines a variation pattern (S30). In determining the variation pattern, the variation pattern table shown in FIG. 9 is used, one random value is acquired from a plurality of random values, for example, 0 to 99, and the result of the jackpot determination in step S26 or step S28 is referred to. One of a plurality of variation pattern commands is selected and determined. The main CPU 31 sets the determined variation pattern command in the transmission buffer provided in the RAM 33.

  Thereafter, the variation time corresponding to the determined variation pattern is set in the waiting time timer (t) (S31). Then, the storage area used for the current variation is cleared (S32), and the special symbol storage check process ends.

  Returning to the flow shown in FIG. 15, when the special symbol memory check process is completed, the special symbol variation time management process is performed (S13). In the special symbol change time management process, the symbol display process is performed when the control state flag is “01” indicating the special symbol change time management. In the symbol display process, a display process for displaying the special symbol on the special symbol display device 16b in a pattern corresponding to the variation pattern determined in step S29 is performed. After that, when the waiting time timer (t) of the variation time determined in step S30 becomes 0, the data “02” indicating the special symbol fixed stop display time management is set in the control state flag, and the special symbol variation time is fixed. The waiting time after determination (for example, 1 second) corresponding to the time after the setting is set in the waiting time timer (t). Thus, the special symbol variation time management process is ended.

  When the special symbol variation time management process is completed, the special symbol fixed stop display time management process is performed (S14). In the special symbol fixed stop display time management process, the stop display process is performed when the control state flag is the value “02” indicating the special symbol fixed stop time management. In the stop display process, a process of stopping and displaying the symbol determined in step S29 shown in FIG. 16 on the special symbol display device 16b is performed. Thereafter, when the post-confirmation waiting time timer (t) determined in the special symbol variation time management process becomes 0, a control flag based on the result of the big hit determination is set. Specifically, when the result of the big hit determination is a big hit, data “03” indicating the big hit start interval management is set in the control state flag, and the time corresponding to the big hit start interval is set in the waiting time timer (t). set. On the other hand, if the result of the big hit determination is out of place, data “04” indicating the end of the special symbol game is set in the control state flag, and the process is ended.

  When the special symbol fixed stop display time management process is completed, the big hit start interval management process is performed (S15). In the big hit start interval management process, when the control state flag is data “03” indicating the big hit start interval management, the big hit start corresponding time set in step S13 is waited. In order to open the winning opening, the variables positioned in the main RAM 33 are updated based on the data read from the main ROM 32. Further, the main CPU 31 sets the data “04” indicating that the special winning opening is being opened in the control state flag, and sets the open upper limit time (for example, 30 seconds) in the special winning opening time timer.

  Furthermore, a special winning opening opening process is performed (S16). In the special prize opening opening process, the following process is performed when the control status flag is data “04” indicating that the special prize opening is open, and if it is not “04”, it is not performed. That is, the main CPU 31 closes the big prize opening when the big prize opening prize counter is 10 or more, or when the opening upper limit time has passed (the big prize opening time timer is “0”). The variable located in the main RAM 33 is updated. Further, the main CPU 31 sets data “05” indicating that the control state flag indicates the residual ball monitoring in the winning prize mouth, sets the monitoring time (for example, 1 second) in the winning winning mouth residual ball in the waiting time timer, and remains in the winning winning mouth. After the sphere monitoring time has elapsed, it is set to proceed to the next step. If it is not determined that either is satisfied, the process proceeds to the next step without executing the above-described processing.

  Subsequently, a special winning opening residual ball monitoring process is performed (S17). In the special winning opening residual ball monitoring process, the following processing is performed when the control state flag is data “05” indicating the special winning opening residual ball monitoring. The main CPU 31 determines whether or not the special winning opening opening number counter is 15 or more (final round) when the special winning opening residual ball monitoring time has elapsed, and when it is the final round, data indicating the big hit end interval. “07” is set in the control state flag, and the time corresponding to the big hit end interval (hereinafter referred to as “big hit end corresponding time”) is set in the waiting time timer. Thus, after the jackpot end corresponding time has elapsed, the jackpot interval processing is set to be executed. If neither is satisfied, the data “06” indicating the management of the reopening waiting time for the big prize opening is set in the control state flag. Further, the time corresponding to the interval between rounds is set in the waiting time timer, and after the waiting time has elapsed, the waiting time management process before reopening the big winning opening in step S16 is set.

  Subsequently, a waiting time management process before reopening the big winning opening is performed (S18). In the waiting time management process before the big winning opening reopening, when the control state flag is data “06” indicating the waiting time management process before the big winning opening reopening, the process waits for the time corresponding to the interval between rounds. When the time corresponding to the interval between rounds has elapsed, the main CPU 31 updates the special winning opening opening number counter by adding “1”, and sets the data “04” indicating that the special winning opening is open to the control state flag. The upper opening limit time (for example, 30 seconds) is set in the big prize opening time timer. Further, in the waiting time management process before reopening the big winning opening, a main winning opening release command of the sub control circuit 40 is transmitted from the main control circuit 30.

  Then, a jackpot end interval process is performed (S19). In the jackpot end interval process, as shown in FIG. 17, it is determined whether or not the control state flag is “07” indicating the jackpot end interval (S33). If it is not “07”, the jackpot end interval process ends. If the control flag is “07”, it is determined whether or not the waiting time timer (t) corresponding to the big hit end interval is “0”, and if not “0”, the big hit end interval processing is ended (S34). . If the waiting time timer (t) is “0”, “08” indicating the end of the special symbol game is set in the control state flag (S35).

  Next, it is determined whether or not the winning combination has been won (whether the jackpot symbol selected in step S29 is a probability changing jackpot symbol or a normal jackpot symbol) (S36). As a result, if the winning change is won, a probability changing gaming state command for shifting to the probability changing gaming state after the end of the big hit is set in the transmission buffer, and a high probability flag is set (S37). On the other hand, if the winning is not successful, the short-time gaming state command for shifting to the short-time gaming state after the big hit ends is set in the transmission buffer (S38), and the short-time number counter is set to a predetermined number, for example, 100 (S39). . In this way, the jackpot end interval process is completed.

  Returning to FIG. 15, when the big hit end interval process is completed, a special symbol game end process is performed (S20). The following processing is performed when the control state flag is data “08” indicating the special symbol game end processing, and if it is not “08”, the processing is not performed. The main CPU 31 updates the data indicating the number of holds to be decreased by “1”, and sequentially shifts the count values of the jackpot determination random number counter and the jackpot stop mode selection random number counter. When step S20 ends, the special symbol control process of step S2 ends.

  When the special symbol control process ends in this way, the process returns to FIG. 14 and the normal symbol control process is performed (S3). In the normal symbol control process, control related to the normal symbol displayed on the special symbol display device 16b is performed. When the normal symbol control process is started, the normal symbol control state flag is read, and the fluctuation time of the normal symbol and the mode of the stopped normal symbol are monitored according to the flag. When the normal symbol mode is a predetermined mode, the variable indicating the opening and closing of the blades is stored in the main RAM 33, and the normal symbol control process is terminated.

  Thereafter, random number update processing is performed (S4). 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, the process returns to step S2 and the repeat routine is repeated.

(System timer interrupt processing procedure)
In the main control circuit 30, the random number used in the main control process is updated mainly on the condition that the interrupt permission flag is set together with the main control process described above. The system timer interrupt process for interrupting the control process is executed according to the flowchart shown in FIG. Hereinafter, the procedure of the system timer interrupt process will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 18, when the pachinko gaming machine 1 starts the system timer interrupt process, the program address data and the like being executed in the main control process stored in the storage area (register) in the memory are temporarily saved. (S41), random number update processing is performed (S42). In the random number update process, the main CPU 31 performs a process of updating the jackpot determination random number value and the jackpot symbol determination random number value. When the random number update processing is completed, switch input detection processing is performed (S43).

  In the switch input detection process, a prize ball related switch input check, a special symbol game related switch input check, and a normal symbol related switch input check are performed. In the special symbol game-related switch input check, the detection signal output of each of the count switch 11CS, the start winning port switch 8S, and the variable start winning port switch 9S is checked, and from the start winning port switch 8S or the variable start winning port switch 9S. When the start memory number counter is less than 4, the following processing is performed. When the starting memory number counter is 4 or more, when a game ball is won in the starting winning port 8 or the variable starting winning port 9 during variable display or big hit, up to four random numbers are stored as starting memories. Therefore, the following processing is not performed.

  Then, the jackpot determination random number value is extracted from the jackpot determination random number counter, and the jackpot symbol random number value is extracted from the jackpot symbol determination random number counter. The extracted jackpot determination random number value and the jackpot symbol random number value are stored in the main RAM 33, and these random numbers are the jackpot determination process, the fall determination process, the jackpot symbol determination process, and the variation pattern determination in steps S26 to S30. Used for processing. This completes the switch input detection process.

  When the switch input detection process is completed, a timer update process is performed (S44). In the timer update process, the waiting time timer is updated. After the timer update process, a game information data generation process is performed (S45). In the game information data generation process, an output signal from the pachinko gaming machine 1 to a hall computer (not shown) is generated. Then, output processing is performed by controlling ON / OFF of each solenoid and motor based on the data stored in the main RAM 33 (S46), and then command output for outputting various commands is performed (S47). In command output, various commands such as symbol commands and variation pattern commands set in the transmission buffer are transmitted from the command output port 35 to the sub-control circuit 40.

  Subsequently, a lamp control process (S48) and a payout process (S49) are performed. In the lamp control process, a lamp blinking command is output to the sub-control circuit 40. In the payout process, a prize ball command including data indicating the number of prize balls is output to the payout device 81. The payout device 81 pays out a prize ball corresponding to the prize ball command. After the payout process is completed, the saved program address data register of the main control process is restored (S50), and the main control process is resumed from the point where it was interrupted (saved). Thereafter, the variables, flags, etc. of the main RAM 33 are updated to permit interrupts (S51), and the system timer interrupt process ends.

(Sub-control circuit operation procedure)
Next, the operation of the sub control circuit 40 will be described. The sub control circuit 40 performs a symbol control, a sound control, a lamp control, and the like by receiving a command transmitted from the main control circuit 30. FIG. 19 is a flowchart showing a procedure of sub control processing repeatedly executed by the sub control circuit 40.

  As shown in FIG. 19, the sub CPU 41 first performs a predetermined initialization process (S61), and then performs a random number update process (S62). Subsequently, command analysis control processing of various commands transmitted from the main control circuit 30 and stored in the reception buffer is performed (S63). In the command analysis control process, based on the symbol command and the determination command transmitted from the main control circuit 30, the symbol determination table shown in FIG. 10 to FIG. . Further, based on the variation pattern command and determination command transmitted from the main control circuit 30, the variation pattern is determined with reference to the display pattern table shown in FIG. For example, when a change command h0 is transmitted and a determination command that does not fall is transmitted, the display pattern hz0 is selected, and the normal fluctuation is shifted as the display content. In addition, when the variation command h0 is transmitted, when the determination command that falls is transmitted, the display pattern hz1 that is the normal variation deviation Z1 or the display pattern hz2 that is the normal variation deviation Z2 is selected. In the command analysis process, when there is another command transmitted from the main control circuit 30, a process corresponding to the command is executed.

  When the command analysis processing is completed, display control processing is subsequently performed (S64). In the display control process, the symbol display control is performed based on the decorative symbol and the display pattern determined in the command analysis process, and then the background display control process is performed.

  Thereafter, a sound control process is performed (S65). In the sound control process, a sound control process related to the sound generated from the speakers 18L and 18R is performed based on a command from the main control circuit 30. In this sound control process, the sound source IC 61 reads the 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.

  Subsequently, a lamp control process is performed (S66). In the lamp control process, a lamp control process related to blinking of the decorative lamps 19L and 19R is executed based on a command from the main control circuit 30. 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. Thereafter, step S62 to step S66 are repeatedly executed.

  Next, processing when a command transmitted from the main control circuit 30 is received will be described. As shown in FIG. 20, when the sub control circuit 40 receives a command transmitted from the main control circuit 30, the protection register is first saved (S71). Next, the command input by the transmission from the main control circuit 30 is stored in the reception buffer in the sub RAM 43 (S72). Subsequently, the register is restored (S73). Thus, the process upon receiving the command ends.

  Next, the flow of the special symbol game will be described. In a special symbol game, when a game ball wins the start winning port 8 or the variable start winning port 9, and the start winning port switch 8S or the variable start winning port switch 9S outputs a detection signal of the game ball to the main control circuit 30, the main game circuit The control circuit 30 performs a big hit lottery. Based on the lottery result, main control circuit 30 selects a symbol command from the special symbol determination table shown in FIG. 8, and also selects a variation pattern command from the variation pattern table shown in FIG. The main control circuit 30 transmits the selected symbol command and variation pattern command to the sub control circuit 40, respectively. The sub control circuit 40 selects and determines a decoration symbol from the decoration symbol determination table shown in FIGS. 10 and 11 based on the received symbol command, and displays the display pattern shown in FIG. 13 based on the received variation pattern command. Select and determine the display pattern from the table.

  In the display area 16a, the symbol elements DL, DC, and DR are stopped and displayed before the game ball wins the start winning opening 8 or the variable start winning opening 9. Further, in the special symbol display device 16b shown in FIG. 4, the special symbol J is stopped and displayed. From this state, when a game ball wins the start winning port 8 or the variable start winning port 9, and the start winning port switch 8S or the variable start winning port switch 9S detects the game ball, as shown in FIG. The symbol elements DL, DC, DR and the special symbol J start to change. In the state shown in FIG. 21 (a), the gaming state is in the normal gaming state, and a daytime screen that is a normal gaming state image indicating the normal gaming state is displayed as the gaming state notification pattern I. This day screen is displayed during normal games as well as during short-time games.

  Then, after a predetermined fluctuation time has passed, the left symbol DL is stopped and displayed as shown in FIG. And the display according to the display pattern selected from the display pattern table shown in FIG. 13 is performed, and the symbols determined with reference to FIGS. 10 to 12 are stopped and displayed as the left middle right symbols DL, DC, DR, respectively. The

  Here, as shown in FIG. 21 (c), when the same odd symbol, “7” in this case, is stopped and displayed as the left middle right symbol DL, DC, DR, the big hit gaming state is entered. Then, after the big hit gaming state is completed, the state shifts to the probability variation gaming state. Further, when the same even symbols are stopped and displayed as the left middle right symbols DL, DC, and DR, the game shifts to the big hit gaming state, and after the big hit gaming state ends, the game shifts to the normal gaming state. .

  Also, after the big jackpot gaming state where the same odd number of symbols are stopped and displayed is finished, notification to the probability variation gaming state is started, and as shown in FIG. 22 (a), the gaming state notification symbol I is displayed on the night screen. It becomes. This night screen is a probability variation game state image. On the other hand, after the start of the big hit gaming state where the same even symbol is stopped and displayed, notification to the short-time gaming state is started, and as shown in FIG. 21 (a), the gaming state notification symbol I is the daytime screen. It becomes.

  Here, in the special symbol game, during the probability variation gaming state, the game ball wins the variable start winning port 9, the variable start winning port switch 9S detects the game ball, and the variable start winning port switch 9S mainly receives the detection signal. When output to the control circuit 30, a lottery lottery is performed together with a big hit lottery. The main control circuit 30 selects a symbol command from the special symbol determination table shown in FIG. 8 based on the result of the big hit lottery, and changes the fluctuation pattern command from the fluctuation pattern table shown in FIG. 9 based on the results of the big hit lottery and the falling lottery. Select. On the other hand, when a game ball is won at the start winning port 8 and the start winning port switch 8S detects a game ball, a big hit lottery is performed but a falling lottery is not performed.

  When the main control circuit 30 performs the symbol command and the variation pattern command selected from the big hit lottery result and the falling lottery, the main control circuit 30 transmits the determination command selected from the result to the sub control circuit 40, respectively. The sub-control circuit 40 selects and determines a decoration symbol from the decoration symbol determination table shown in FIGS. 10 to 12 based on the received symbol command, and displays the display pattern shown in FIG. 13 based on the received variation pattern command. Select and decide the variation production pattern from the table.

  A specific flow will be described. During the probability variation gaming state, as shown in FIG. 22A, the display area 16a shows the probability variation gaming state as a gaming state notification symbol I for notifying that the probability variation gaming state is present. The night screen is displayed. From this state, when a game ball is won at the start winning port 8 and the start winning port switch 8S detects a game ball, the symbol elements DL, DC, DR and the special symbol J start to be changed, and the display shown in FIG. Display according to the display pattern selected from the pattern table, and after the predetermined fluctuation time has elapsed, the symbols determined with reference to FIGS. 10 to 12 are stopped as left middle right symbols DL, DC, DR, respectively. Is displayed.

  As a result, as shown in FIG. 22 (b), when the same odd symbol, “7” in this case, is stopped and displayed as the left middle right symbol DL, DC, DR, the big hit gaming state is entered. And migrate. Further, when the same even symbols are stopped and displayed as the left middle right symbols DL, DC, and DR, the game shifts to the big hit gaming state, and after the big hit gaming state ends, the game shifts to the normal gaming state. .

  Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 22 (c), when the left symbol DL is +1 for the left symbol DL and the right symbol DR is +1 for the middle symbol DC as the left middle right symbol DL, DC, DR. In addition, the probability change gaming state may fall to the normal gaming state. In this case, the game state notification pattern I shifts from the night screen to the day screen, and notifies the player that the game state notification symbol I has fallen from the probability variation game state to the normal game state.

  As described above, in the gaming machine according to the present embodiment, the jackpot lottery is performed and the falling lottery is performed during the probability variation gaming state. However, the jackpot lottery and the falling lottery are acquired by the same random number acquisition unit. This is done using random numbers. For this reason, since both the transition determination from the special gaming state to the normal gaming state and the transition determination from the normal gaming state to the big hit gaming state are not won, subsequent processing when both transition determinations are won Can be made unnecessary. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the burden on the control process from increasing accordingly.

  Further, the gaming machine according to the present embodiment is provided with a variable start winning port 9 in which a jackpot determination and a fall determination are performed by winning a game ball, and a start winning port 8 in which only a jackpot determination is performed without a fall. ing. For this reason, it is possible to improve the interest of the game by maintaining the willingness to win the game ball to the start winning opening constantly while performing the jackpot determination and the fall determination.

  Further, when winning at the start winning opening 8, only the big hit lottery is performed and the falling lottery is not performed. On the other hand, the variable start winning opening 9 performs both the big hit lottery and the falling lottery. For this reason, it is possible to make more jackpot gaming state transition judgments by increasing the number of game balls to the variable start winning opening 9 while increasing the possibility of early transition from the probability variation gaming state to the normal gaming state. it can. Therefore, for a player who wants to end the transition from the special game state to another game state, when the blades of the variable start winning opening 9 are open, the game ball is launched aiming at the variable start winning opening 9. Therefore, the transition to the big hit gaming state or the transition to the normal gaming state can be realized at an early stage. On the other hand, for a player who wants to enjoy the game slowly, the game ball is launched when the blades of the variable start winning opening 9 are closed, thereby shifting to the big hit game state while avoiding the transition to the normal game state. Can be aimed. As described above, since the timing of launching the game ball can be selected according to the player's wish, the range of game play can be widened accordingly.

  The preferred embodiment of the present invention has been described above, but the present invention is not limited to the above embodiment. For example, in the above embodiment, the variable start winning port 9 is used as a winning device for performing the big hit lottery and the falling lottery. However, it is also possible to use a fixed start winning port that is not variable such as an electric accessory. . Further, both the big hit lottery and the falling lottery are performed by winning the game ball at the variable start winning opening 9, but it is also possible to adopt a mode in which only the falling lottery is performed. By adopting a mode in which only the falling lottery is performed, a player who does not want to fall from the probability-changing gaming state to the normal gaming state wins a winning at the starting winning port 8 while avoiding winning at the variable starting winning port 9. Since it comes to try, the range of playability can be expanded more. Moreover, it can also be set as the aspect where both a big hit lottery and a fall lottery are performed, even if it wins to any of the start winning opening 8 and the variable start winning opening 9.

  Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the start winning port for performing both the big hit lottery and the falling lottery is variable, and the starting winning port for performing the big hit lottery is fixed, but the starting winning port for performing only the big hit lottery is It is also possible to adopt a mode in which the start winning opening for performing both the big hit lottery and the falling lottery is fixed. By adopting this mode, a player who wishes to perform a big hit lottery without performing a falling lottery can launch a game ball when the variable start winning opening is in an easy winning state. Therefore, the range of playability can be further expanded.

  In the above embodiment, a start winning port through which a game ball wins is used as the start winning device, but a gate through which the game ball passes may be used as the start winning device. Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the short-time gaming state is set in addition to the probability variation gaming state and the normal gaming state, but a mode in which the short-time gaming state is not set can also be adopted. Further, in the above embodiment, after the big hit gaming state, it is set to shift to the probability variation gaming state or the short-time gaming state, but the normal gaming state or the short-time gaming state transitions to the probability variation gaming state, or from the big hit gaming state It is also possible to change to a normal gaming state.

  Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, the start winning port 8 and the variable start winning port 9 are arranged side by side. For example, the respective winning ports are provided on the right side and the left side of the center line of the board surface. You can also. As described above, by arranging the plurality of winning a prize holes on the board separately on the right and left sides, it is possible to easily aim at the start winning award.

  In the above-described embodiment, two start winning ports, the start winning port 8 and the variable start winning port 9, are provided. However, it is possible to adopt a mode in which only one start winning port is provided. In addition, when providing a plurality of start winning openings, whether the plurality of starting winning openings are for jackpot determination or falling lottery, fixed or variable, the arrangement relationship, etc. should be set appropriately in combination. Can do.

  Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the falling lottery is performed using the big hit determination random number. You can also

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. 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 figure which shows a big hit determination table. It is a figure which shows a special symbol determination table. It is a figure which shows a fluctuation | variation pattern table. It is a figure which shows the table for big decoration design determination. It is a figure which shows the decoration symbol determination table for slipping at the time of non-falling, (a) is a figure which shows the left symbol determination table, (b) is a figure which shows a middle symbol determination table, (c) is a table for right decoration symbol determination. FIG. It is a table figure for a decoration design for slipping off at the time of a fall. It is a figure which shows a display pattern table. 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 big hit end interval process. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of the system timer interruption process interrupted in a main control process. 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 the command reception interruption process in a sub control circuit. In a special symbol game, it is a figure which shows the contents displayed on a display area at the time of a normal game state in time series, (a) is the state which each symbol started the variable display, (b) is the left symbol stopped. The displayed state (c) shows a state in which the left middle right symbol is stopped and displayed. In special symbol game, it is a figure which shows the contents which are displayed in the display area at the time of the probability variation game state in time series, (a) is the state where each symbol has started the variable display, (b) is won for jackpot judgment The figure which shows the state in which the decoration symbol in the case of having stopped is displayed, (c) is a figure which shows the state in which the decoration symbol in the case of winning a fall determination is stopped.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Pachinko machine, 4 ... Game board, 8 ... Start winning opening, 9 ... Variable starting winning opening, 11 ... Large winning opening, 16 ... Liquid crystal display device, 16a ... Display area, 21 ... Main control board, 22 ... Deputy Control board 30 ... Main control circuit 31 ... Main CPU 40 ... Sub control circuit 41 ... Sub CPU 50 ... Image control circuit 60 ... Audio control circuit 70 ... Lamp control circuit 80 ... Discharge / launch control circuit , D ... decorative symbol, DC ... middle symbol, DL ... left symbol, DR ... right symbol, J ... special symbol.

Claims (3)

A gaming machine in which a normal gaming state, a big hit gaming state that is more advantageous to the player than the normal gaming state, and a special gaming state that is easier to shift to the big hit gaming state than the normal gaming state are set as the gaming state. There,
Random number acquisition means for acquiring a random value when a predetermined random number acquisition condition is satisfied;
When the random value acquired by the random number acquisition means is a pre-determined jackpot gaming state transition winning random number,
When the random number value acquired by the random number acquisition means during the special gaming state is a special gaming state end winning random number value set to a random number value different from the jackpot gaming state transition winning random number value, Special gaming state end determination means for performing a special gaming state end determination for determining to shift from the gaming state to the normal gaming state;
Based on the determination results of the jackpot gaming state transition determination means and the special gaming state end determination means, gaming state transition control means for controlling transition of the gaming state;
A gaming machine comprising: A display device for displaying the game state transition;
Main control means for controlling the progress of the game;
Effect display control means for controlling display of effect display in the display device based on a control signal from the main control means,
The main control means includes
A signal that includes the jackpot gaming state transition determination unit and the special gaming state end determination unit, and that transmits a special gaming state end signal indicating a determination result of ending the special gaming state determined by the special gaming state end determination unit Including transmission means,
The effect display control means includes:
Signal receiving means for receiving a special gaming state end signal transmitted from the main control means;
Effect display pattern storage means for storing a plurality of effect display patterns for causing the display device to perform a predetermined effect display;
Effect display pattern determining means for determining an effect display pattern to be displayed on the display device from a plurality of effect display patterns stored in the effect display pattern storage means based on a special gaming state end signal received by the signal receiving means; Including,
The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the effect display control means performs display control for causing the display device to display an effect display according to the effect display pattern determined by the effect display pattern determining means. Based on a control signal from the main control means, it has a symbol display control means for variably displaying the identification symbol in the display device,
The symbol display control means includes:
Design storage means for storing a plurality of identification symbols that can be displayed on the display device;
A symbol determining means for determining an identification symbol to be displayed on the display device from a plurality of identification symbols stored by the symbol storage means based on a special gaming state end signal received by the display signal receiving means;
The gaming machine according to claim 2, wherein the symbol display control unit performs display control to display the identification symbol determined by the symbol determination unit on the display device.

Images