JP2006314385A - Game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a game machine capable of varying the reliableness about a jackpot even when a player continues to play a game with prescribed characters selected by the player, and capable of enhancing the amusement of the game by preventing the game from becoming monotonous. <P>SOLUTION: A plurality of kinds of prescribed characters which can be selected by the player through a character selecting means 10, and specific characters corresponding to the respective prescribed characters are stored in a storing means of a subordinate control circuit in the game machine. The game machine also has a reliableness determining means for determining the reliableness about jackpots based on the result of determination by a jackpot determining means, and a specific character determining means for determining whether the specific characters corresponding to the prescribed characters selected by the character selecting means 10 should be displayed or not based on the reliableness determined by the reliableness determining means. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a gaming machine that makes a jackpot notice by displaying a character.

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, gaming members with various tastes have been arranged in the gaming area of gaming machines, and effects with various tastes have been given to improve the fun of gaming.
For example, in a so-called reach state in which a player is in an advantageous state (big hit gaming state) when one more specific symbol is lined up, the display of the display device varies differently from the normal display operation, thereby allowing the player to There is an effect (so-called reach action) that recognizes that the big hit is approaching and gives the player a sense of expectation for the big hit.
In this reach action, a lot of things that various effects are performed by the character are provided. For example, a prediction reliability for the big hit is set for each type of character, and when a predetermined character appears, it shifts to the big hit gaming state. The interest is improved by making it possible to predict to some extent whether or not the possibility is high.

Recently, a gaming machine is also provided in which a player can arbitrarily select a character appearing in a production from a predetermined character group set in advance (see, for example, Patent Document 1).
For example, Patent Document 1 stores a plurality of types of predetermined characters associated with a notice reliability (hit reliability) that a symbol is stopped in a predetermined display mode (big hit display mode), and each character has Have different jackpot reliability (for example, the jackpot reliability when character A is selected is 25%, the jackpot reliability when character B is selected is 50%, and the jackpot reliability when character C is selected) The degree is 75%, and the big hit reliability when the character D is selected is 100%.) Then, the player can arbitrarily select the type of the character that performs the notice effect during the symbol variation.
Therefore, a player who wants to know in advance that a big hit will be awarded selects a character that is associated with a high degree of advance notice reliability. When such a character is selected, the probability of a notice effect due to the appearance of the character is low, but the probability of transition to jackpot when it appears is high.
In addition, a player who wants to enjoy the unexpectedness of being awarded a big hit selects a character associated with a low notice reliability. When such a character is selected, the probability of a notice effect due to the appearance of the character is high, but the probability of transition to jackpot is low.
Thus, the interest of the game is improved by adopting a configuration in which the player can arbitrarily select the character associated with the jackpot reliability according to the preference of the player.
JP 2004-33600 A

However, in the above conventional gaming machine, when a player selects a predetermined character and continues playing, the reliability of the character in the big hit gaming state is always constant.
That is, when a predetermined character (for example, the character A having a big hit reliability of 25%) is selected, the character (the character A) is changed unless the player performs a change process to another character (character B to character D). As a result, the game is continued with a certain big hit reliability (25%) according to the game, and as a result, the game may become monotonous and the interest of the game may be reduced.

  The present invention has been made to solve such problems, and the object of the present invention is to change the jackpot reliability even when the game is continued with a predetermined character selected by the player. It is an object of the present invention to provide a gaming machine that can improve the interest by preventing monotonization of games.

  In order to achieve such an object, according to the first aspect of the present invention, the gaming board base 19 is provided with various gaming members to form a gaming area A in which a gaming ball rolls, and the gaming area A includes Big hit determining means (main of the main control circuit 30) for determining whether or not to shift to the big hit gaming state advantageous to the player on condition that the game ball has passed through the provided start area (for example, start winning opening) 12 CPU 32), storage means for storing a plurality of types of predetermined characters (program ROM 43 of the sub-control circuit 40), display means (effect display device) 9 for displaying the predetermined characters, and a gaming machine, Character selection means (character selection operation unit) 10 that allows a player to select an arbitrary predetermined character from a plurality of types of predetermined characters stored in the storage means 43. In the gaming machine, the storage means 43 includes a plurality of types of predetermined characters (characters A, B, and C) that can be selected by the player, and specific characters (characters) corresponding to the predetermined characters. D, E, F) are stored at least, and reliability determination means (main CPU 32 of the main control circuit 30) for determining the reliability related to the big hit based on the determination result of the jackpot determination means, and the reliability determination means 32 Whether to display a specific character (character D, E, F) corresponding to the predetermined character (character A, B, C) selected by the character selection means 10 is determined based on the determined reliability. The game machine is characterized by comprising specific character determining means (sub CPU 42 of the sub control circuit 40).

According to the present invention, for example, a character (hereinafter, also simply referred to as a character in the present specification and the accompanying drawings) A, B, C is stored as a predetermined character that can be selected by the player (of the sub-control circuit 40). The program ROM 43) stores at least specific characters D, E, and F (for example, enemy characters having narrative or the like in relation to each predetermined character) associated with each predetermined character. The information is stored in the storage means 43.
The player can arbitrarily select a desired predetermined character by himself / herself, and the selected predetermined character is displayed on the display means 9 to produce a game.
And, for the selected predetermined character, a specific character corresponding to the character is determined in advance (such as character D with respect to character A). For example, the reliability determination means 32 determines the jackpot determination means 32 When the reliability determined based on the result is high, the specific character (for example, the character D) is determined by the specific character determination means 42 based on the high reliability and appears together with the predetermined character (character A). If the reliability is low, the other characters (specific characters E and F not associated with the character A or other characters G and H based on the low reliability are set. Etc.), and it can be set that the other characters appear and perform. That is, when a specific character corresponding to a predetermined character appears and produces an effect, there is a higher possibility of shifting to a big hit gaming state than when other characters appear and produce an effect. Therefore, even when the player selects a predetermined character (for example, the character A), the character (specific character D or specific character E, F other than the character D or the character D that appears in the production together with the predetermined character). Since the big hit reliability varies depending on the other characters G and H), the player's expectation is also increased and the interest of the game is improved.

  According to the present invention, even when the game is continued with a predetermined character selected by the player, the big hit reliability can be changed, and the gaming machine can be improved by preventing the game from becoming monotonous Can be provided.

  Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described. Note that this embodiment is merely an example of the present invention, and is not construed as being limited thereto, and the design can be changed within the scope of the present invention.

  FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view showing an appearance of an example of a gaming machine to which the present invention is applied. The gaming machine is provided on the gaming board 18, display means (effect display device) 9 for displaying the game provided on the back side of the gaming board 18, and the front of the gaming machine, and is displayed on the display means. A character selection means (character selection operation unit) 10 that allows a player to select a predetermined character is configured.

In the gaming machine, an inner frame (base door) 2 is pivotally supported on the front surface of an outer frame 1 to be attached to a game island provided in a game hall, and behind the inner frame 2 is the effect display device 9. Is mounted on the front surface of the inner frame 2, and a game board 18 having various game members on the game board base 19 and constituting a game area A in which a game ball rolls is detachably mounted. ing.
A front door 3 fitted with a glass plate 4 is rotatably supported on the front surface of the inner frame 2.

  In addition, an upper plate 5 for receiving a rental ball and a prize ball, a lower plate 6 for receiving a ball overflowing inward of the ball outlet when the upper plate 5 is full, and a handle 7 of the launching device are provided at the lower front portion of the inner frame 2. The speaker 8 is provided on the front upper portion of the inner frame 2 to produce a sound effect.

  Then, by rotating the lever 7a of the handle 7 in the clockwise direction, for example, a built-in launch solenoid can be operated to launch a game ball into the game area A.

  It is preferable that the game board base 19 is made of a material that can fix a game member and has a hardness and strength that do not easily deform (bend) or change quality. Specifically, an acrylic resin material, a polycarbonate resin, a polyarylate resin, or the like is arbitrarily selected. The whole or a part (including a plurality of areas) of the game board base 19 may be formed of a translucent member (transparent member) so that the back side can be visually recognized.

  The game members refer to all members necessary for the game in the ball game machine. In the present embodiment, for example, as shown in FIG. 1, a game area A where the game ball rolls is defined, and the game area A A guide rail (not shown) that guides the game ball launched from the launching solenoid, and a display of fluctuation of the effect display device 9 are started, and a start winning opening 12 as a starting area for starting a lottery process for determining whether or not to win, A large winning opening 13 constituting a special electric accessory called an open attacker, a general winning opening (not shown) in which a game ball (pay ball) is paid out by winning a game ball, and a winning in the game area A is missed An out port (not shown) for discharging the out ball, a gate (not shown) for operating the normal symbol display device, a number of game nails (not shown) for changing the flow of the game ball, and the like are provided.

  As the effect display device 9, for example, when viewed from the front, a special symbol (left special symbol, middle special symbol, right special symbol) consisting of identification information such as numerals and symbols is displayed in three rows in the horizontal direction. A liquid crystal display device (LCD: Liquid Crystal Display) that displays a specific character image or background image in conjunction with a special symbol's variable display, or a movie or still image from a projector is refracted by a reflector. Projection-type image display devices to be displayed in this manner are also targets, and various display devices are applicable without being particularly limited. The size of the display device is not particularly limited, and the design can be changed within the scope of the present invention.

When the game ball wins the start winning opening 12 on the effect display device 9, a plurality of types of symbols (identification information) are displayed in a variable manner.
The symbols displayed on the effect display device 9 are distinguished from each other in, for example, three columns on the left and right, and a plurality of symbols are variably displayed for each column of symbols. When the display result of the symbols displayed in a stopped state becomes a specific combination, for example, “7”, “7”, “7”, the gaming machine is advantageous to the player compared to the normal game by the big hit control means. Transition control to a game state (big hit game state) with various conditions is performed.

The effect display displayed on the effect display device 9 is controlled by the display control means.
The display control means is executed by the sub CPU 42 of the sub control circuit 40 of the gaming machine described later, and the sub CPU 42 functions as the display control means.

In such an effect display device 9, the display of the effect display device 9 fluctuates differently from the normal display operation when one more specific symbol is lined up to become a big hit (so-called reach state). Thus, in order to make the player recognize that the big hit is approaching and improve the interest of the player, an effect (so-called reach action) for displaying the reach variation pattern on the effect display device 9 is performed.
When the reach action wins a lottery to determine whether or not to win, and when the winning action is lost to the lottery to determine whether or not to win, the reach state is displayed (so-called lose reach). In both cases where it is decided to

The reach action in the present embodiment is performed based on the big hit determination result by the main CPU 32 (big hit determination means) of the main control circuit 30, for example, predetermined characters A to C stored in the storage area (program ROM 43) of the sub control circuit 40. Together with the predetermined characters A to C selected by the player by the character selection means to be described later, and specific characters D to F associated with the respective predetermined characters A to C (for example, in the history of the predetermined character Story characters, etc.) and other characters G and H other than the predetermined characters A to C and the specific characters D to F are determined by the specific character determining means (the sub CPU 42 of the sub control circuit 40). And displayed on the effect display device 9 to perform a predetermined effect.
Here, for example, the following combination is assumed as an example of a specific character.
(1) "Predetermined character A" ... Soji Okita VS "Specific character D" ... Hitoshi Izozo (2) "Predetermined character B" ... Miyamoto Musashi VS "Specific character E" ... Kojiro Sasaki (3) "Predetermined Character C ”… 巴 Gozen VS“ Specific Character F ”… Ushiwaka / Benkei (4)“ Other Characters G, H ”... Hanzo Hattori, Jubei Yagyu

  The character selection means 10 can be displayed on the effect display device 9 by the player arbitrarily selecting a predetermined character (characters A to C) stored in the storage area (program ROM 43) of the sub-control circuit 40. Thus, for example, in this embodiment, a character selection operation unit (character selection operation button) composed of the selection button 10a and the determination button 10b is employed, and is opposed to the player side on the lower front side of the front door 3. And is controlled by the sub-control circuit 40. The character selection button 10a is controlled so that it cannot be operated when the design is displayed in a variable manner on the effect display device 9.

  The arrangement position of the character selection operation button 10 is not limited to the present embodiment, and is a position where the player can easily operate, for example, a position where the player can operate from the game area A without shifting his line of sight. It is desirable to arrange. In the present embodiment, two selection buttons 10a and one determination button 10b are used. However, the present invention is not particularly limited. For example, even one selection button 10a is within the scope of the present invention. In addition, it is possible to adopt a configuration that includes only the selection button 10a and is controlled by the sub-control circuit 40 so that it is determined that a predetermined time has elapsed after the selection operation is completed, and is within the scope of the present invention. . In the present embodiment, a description will be given with a configuration using buttons, but a lever form or a dial form may be used, and the selection means structure is not particularly limited.

(Block Diagram)
FIG. 2 is a block diagram of the control system of the gaming machine according to the present embodiment.
The main control circuit 30 as game control means includes a main CPU 32, main ROM (read only memory) 33, main RAM (read / write memory) 34, and I / O 31 as control means. The main control circuit 30 controls the progress of the game.
The main CPU 32 is connected to a main ROM 33, a main RAM 34, and the like, and has a function of executing various processes in accordance with programs stored in the main ROM 33. Thus, the main CPU 32 functions as various means described later. A program for controlling the operation of the gaming machine by the main CPU 32 is stored in the main ROM 33. Besides, a big hit determination table referred to when determining a big hit by random number lottery, a big hit determination means (main Various tables such as a variation pattern table that is referred to when a predetermined variation pattern is determined based on the determination result of the CPU 32) are stored.

  In the present embodiment, the main ROM 33 is used as a medium for storing programs, tables, and the like. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and any other storage medium can be used as long as it is a computer-readable storage medium. For example, it may be recorded on a storage medium such as a hard disk device, a CD-ROM, a DVD-ROM, or a ROM cartridge. In addition, these programs may not be recorded in advance, but may be downloaded after the power is turned on and recorded in the main RAM 34 or the like. Furthermore, each of the programs may be recorded on separate storage media. In this embodiment, the main CPU 32, the main ROM 33, and the main RAM 34 are provided separately, but a one-chip microcomputer in which these are integrated may be used.

  The main RAM 34 has a function of storing various flags, counters, timers, and data values as a temporary storage area of the main CPU 32.

  The main control circuit 30 includes a command output port 35 for supplying a command to a sub control circuit 40 described later. The command output port 35 is connected to the main CPU 32. The command output port 35 corresponds to a transmission unit that transmits various commands to the sub-control circuit 40 (various units included in the sub-control circuit 40).

  The main control circuit 30 has an I / O 31, and various devices are connected to the I / O 31. For example, a V / count switch 13S, a count switch 14S, a general winning port switch 15S, a passing gate switch 16S, a starting winning port switch 12S, a starting winning port solenoid 12a, a large winning port solenoid 13a, a seesaw solenoid 13b, and a backup clear switch 17S It is connected.

  The V / count switch 13 </ b> S is provided in a specific area in the special winning opening 13 provided on the game board base 19. The V / count switch 13 </ b> S supplies a predetermined detection signal to the main control circuit 30 when a game ball passes through a specific area in the special winning opening 13.

  The count switch 14 </ b> S is provided in a general area different from the specific area in the special winning opening 13. The count switch 14 </ b> S supplies a predetermined detection signal to the main control circuit 30 when the game ball passes through the general area in the special winning opening 13.

  The general winning opening switch 15S is provided in a general winning opening (not shown) provided on the game board base 19. The general winning opening switch 15S supplies a predetermined detection signal to the main control circuit 30 when a game ball passes through each general winning opening.

  The pass gate switch 16S is provided in a pass gate (not shown) provided on the game board base 19. The passing gate switch 16S supplies a predetermined detection signal to the main control circuit 30 when a game ball passes through the passing gate.

  The start winning opening switch 12 </ b> S is provided in the starting winning opening 12 provided on the game board base 19. The start winning port switch 12S supplies a predetermined detection signal to the main control circuit 30 when a game ball wins the start winning port 12.

  The start winning port solenoid 12a is connected to the blade members 12b and 12b provided in the start winning port 12 via a link member, and drives the blade members 12b and 12b in accordance with a drive signal supplied from the main CPU 32. Then, the winning area of the start winning opening 12 is adjusted to be wide or narrow.

  The special winning opening solenoid 13a is connected to a shutter (door), and drives the shutter in accordance with a drive signal supplied from the main CPU 32 so that the special winning opening 13 is opened or closed.

  The seesaw solenoid 13b is a plate-like body and is connected to a seesaw provided inside the shutter. The seesaw solenoid 13b displaces the seesaw according to a drive signal supplied from the main CPU 32 and changes the inclination of the seesaw. As a result of the seesaw being tilted, the seesaw is switched so as to easily pass through a specific area in the special winning opening 13 or to easily pass through a general area.

  The backup clear switch 17S is provided on the front side of the gaming machine and is connected to the main CPU 32 via the I / O 31, and clears backup data in the event of a power failure or the like in accordance with the operation of the game hall manager. It has a function.

  A payout / firing control circuit 80 is connected to the main control circuit 30. Connected to the payout / launch control circuit 80 are a prize ball payout device 81 for paying out game balls and a launch device 82 for firing game balls. Further, the payout / launch control circuit 80 is connected to the card unit 24, and the payout / fire control circuit 80 and the card unit 24 transmit / receive data related to the CR card inserted into the card unit, and the ball lending operation panel 21. Lending game balls by operating.

  The payout / firing control circuit 80 receives a prize ball control command supplied from the main control circuit 30 and transmits a predetermined signal to the prize ball payout device 81 to thereby send a game ball to the prize ball payout device 81. Let them pay out. In addition, the payout / launch control circuit 80 performs a control of launching a game ball by supplying a launch signal to the launch device 82. The prize ball payout device 81 is employed as an example of a payout means for paying out a prize ball when a launched (injected) game ball passes through a predetermined area.

  In addition, the launching device 82 includes a device for launching a game ball such as the launching solenoid and the touch sensor described above. When the firing handle 7 is gripped by the player and is turned clockwise, power is supplied to the firing solenoid according to the turning angle, and the game ball stored in the upper plate is moved by the firing solenoid. Fired sequentially on the game board. Note that such a launching device 82 is employed as an example of a launching unit that launches (injects) a game ball in accordance with the player's operation.

  Further, a sub control circuit 40 is connected to the command output port 35.

  The sub control circuit 40 controls the display control in the effect display device 9, the control related to the sound generated from the speaker 8, the control of the decoration lamp 11, and the character selection operation button 10 in accordance with various commands supplied from the main control circuit 30. Control and so on.

  In this embodiment, a command is supplied from the main control circuit 30 to the sub control circuit 40 and a signal cannot be supplied from the sub control circuit 40 to the main control circuit 30. The present invention is not limited to this, and there is no problem even if it is configured such that signals can be transmitted from the sub control circuit 40 to the main control circuit 30.

The sub-control circuit 40 as a control means includes a display control means, a sound control means, a light emission control means, a character selection control means, a sub CPU 42 as a specific character determination means, a program ROM 43 as a storage means, a work RAM 44, and an effect display device 9 Control of the lamp 11 including an image control circuit 45 for performing display control in a (liquid crystal display device: LCD), a sound control circuit 46 for controlling sound generated from the speaker 8, and a decoration lamp / LED (not shown). The lamp control circuit 47 is configured to include a command input port 41 for inputting a signal from the command output port 35 of the main control circuit 30.
The sub control circuit 40 executes an effect corresponding to the progress of the game in accordance with a command from the main control circuit 30.

  The sub CPU 42 is connected to a program ROM 43, a work RAM 44, and the like. The sub CPU 42 has a function of executing various processes according to the program stored in the program ROM 43. In particular, the sub CPU 42 controls the sub control circuit 40 in accordance with various commands supplied from the main control circuit 30. The sub CPU 42 functions as various means described later.

In the program ROM 43, a program for controlling the game effects of the gaming machine by the sub CPU 42 is stored, and in addition, various tables such as a table for making decisions regarding effects are stored.
The program ROM 43 stores a plurality of types of effect patterns. This effect pattern relates to the progress of the effect display. The effect display is executed according to the variation display of the identification information.

  In the present embodiment, the program ROM 43 is used as a storage means for storing programs, tables, and the like. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and any other storage medium can be used as long as it is a computer-readable storage medium. For example, it may be stored in a storage medium such as a hard disk device, a CD-ROM, a DVD-ROM, or a ROM cartridge. Of course, the main ROM 33 may be used as the storage means. These programs may not be recorded in advance, but may be downloaded after the power is turned on and recorded in the work RAM 44 or the like. Furthermore, each of the programs may be recorded on separate storage media.

  Further, in this embodiment, the main control circuit 30 including the main CPU 32 and the main ROM 33 and the sub control circuit 40 including the sub CPU 42 and the program ROM 43 are separately configured. The main control circuit 30 may be included, and in this case, the program stored in the program ROM 43 described above may be stored in the main ROM 33 and executed by the main CPU 32. Of course, it may be configured only by the sub control circuit 40 including the sub CPU 42 and the program ROM 43. In this case, the program stored in the main ROM 33 is stored in the program ROM 43 and executed by the sub CPU 42. You may comprise.

  The work RAM 44 has a function of storing various flags and variable values as a temporary storage area of the sub CPU 42. For example, various variables such as an effect display selection random number counter for selecting an effect pattern are positioned.

(Machine machine operation)
Next, the operation of one embodiment of the gaming machine according to the present invention will be described separately for the operation of the main control circuit 30 and the operation of the sub control circuit 40.

[Operation of main control circuit]
Hereinafter, the operation of the main CPU 32 of the main control circuit 30 according to one embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[Main control circuit main processing]
FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing main processing which is a part of the operation of the main CPU 32 according to the embodiment of the present invention. In step 10 (S10), the main CPU 32 restores the various settings stored in the main RAM 34 to the settings when the power supply was previously turned off (or initializes the various settings stored in the main RAM 34).

  In step 20 (S20), the main CPU 32 sets a state in which execution of a system interrupt process described later is permitted.

  In step 30 (S30), the main CPU 32 performs a special symbol control process for variably displaying the identification information on the effect display device 9. Specifically, the main CPU 32 determines whether or not to shift the gaming state to the big hit state (big hit determination performed as the big hit determination unit), manages the variation pattern and the variable display time performed as the reliability determination unit, and the like.

  In step 40 (S40), the main CPU 32 performs a normal symbol control process that is performed when a game ball passes through a gate (not shown) of the game board 18. Specifically, the main CPU 32 determines whether or not the start winning opening 12 is opened (normal symbol determination), and drives the pair of blade members 12b and 12b provided in the starting winning opening 12. Control.

  In step 50 (S50), the main CPU 32 sets a state in which execution of a system interrupt process described later is prohibited.

  In step 60 (S60), the main CPU 32 updates the variable display pattern selection random number used for determining the variable display pattern.

  In step 70 (S70), the main CPU 32 sets a state in which execution of a system interrupt process to be described later is permitted.

  The main CPU 32 repeats the processing from step 30 to step 70 described above.

[System timer interrupt processing]
FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing a system timer interrupt process which is a part of the operation of the main CPU 32 according to the embodiment of the present invention. The system timer interruption process is a process executed by interruption every predetermined time during execution of the main process.
In step 100 (S100), the main CPU 32 saves the information stored in the register.

  In step 110 (S110), the main CPU 32 updates values such as a jackpot determining random number and a jackpot symbol determining random number.

  In step 120 (S120), the main CPU 32 performs processing for detecting a start winning opening (processing for detecting a gate passage) and each switch (start winning port switch 12S, passing gate switch 16S, general winning port switch 15S, V / count switch). 13S and the count switch 14S) is determined whether or not the signal is input to the I / O 31. Further, when there is a signal input to the I / O 31, the main CPU 32 performs a process according to the input signal.

  In step 130 (S130), the main CPU 32 updates values such as a waiting time timer and a special prize opening time timer.

  The waiting time timer is a timer in which a waiting time until the main CPU 32 moves to the next process is set in each process of the special symbol control process. Also, the big prize opening time timer is a timer in which the maximum time for which the big prize opening 13 is opened (large prize opening time) is set in one round.

  In this embodiment, each timer described above is configured to count down the time set in the timer. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and counts up the time. It may be configured.

  In step 140 (S140), the main CPU 32 outputs game information such as the number of game balls paid out as prize balls and that the game state is a big hit state to the hall computer installed in the game hall. To do.

  In step 150 (S150), the main CPU 32 controls the start winning port solenoid 12a to drive the pair of blade members 12b, 12b provided in the starting winning port 12, and the special winning port 13 A signal for controlling the special winning opening solenoid 13a is output so as to drive the shutter.

  In step 160 (S160), the main CPU 32 outputs the set command (variation pattern designation command associated with the special symbol control process) to the sub-control circuit 40.

  In step 170 (S170), the main CPU 32 wins a predetermined number of game balls according to the types of winning holes in which the game balls have entered (start winning port 12, large winning port 13, and general winning port not shown). As a result, a prize ball control command instructing the payout is output to the payout / firing control circuit 80.

  In step 180 (S180), the main CPU 32 restores the information saved in step 100 to the register.

  In step 190 (S190), the system timer interrupt processing is set to be permitted.

  In the system timer interrupt process, after the above steps are processed, the address before the interrupt occurrence is restored.

[Special symbol control processing]
Below, the special symbol control process performed in step 30 (S30) (refer FIG. 3) of the main process mentioned above is demonstrated.
In the special symbol control process, as shown in FIG. 5, in step 30-1 (S30-1), the main CPU 32 executes a process of loading a control state flag. The control state flag is a flag indicating the state of the game in the special symbol game, and the main CPU 32 performs steps 30-2 (S30-2) to 30-10 (S30-) based on the control state flag. It is determined whether or not each process in 10) is executed.

  In step 30-2 (S30-2), the main CPU 32 determines that the control state flag is a value (00) indicating the special symbol storage check process and the number of special symbol reserved storage number data is “1” or more. Then, it is determined whether or not the jackpot determination random number value matches the jackpot determination value (jackpot determination). In addition, when the big hit determination random number value matches the big hit determination value, the main CPU 32 determines a special symbol stop symbol (big hit symbol) based on the big hit symbol determination random number value and selects a variable display pattern. The variable display pattern is determined based on the random number value for use. On the other hand, when the big hit determination random number value does not coincide with the big hit determination value, the main CPU 32 determines the special symbol loss symbol based on the loss symbol determination random number value, and sets the variable display pattern selection random number value to the random symbol value. Based on this, the variable display pattern is determined.

  In addition, the main CPU 32 sets a value (01) indicating the special symbol variation time management process in the control state flag, and sets the variation display time corresponding to the determined variation display pattern in the waiting time timer.

  In step 30-3 (S30-3), the main CPU 32 sets the control state flag to a value (01) indicating the special symbol variation time management process, and the value of the waiting time timer in which the variation display time is set is “0”. In this case, a value (02) indicating the special symbol display time management process is set in the control state flag and set in the waiting time timer after determination.

  In step 30-4 (S30-4), the main CPU 32 sets the control state flag to the value (02) indicating the special symbol display time management process, and the value of the waiting time timer in which the waiting time after determination is set is “0”. If "", the following processing is performed.

  That is, the main CPU 32 sets a value (03) indicating the big hit start interval management process to the control state flag and starts the big hit when the big hit determination random number value is determined to match the big hit determination value in the big hit determination. The time corresponding to the interval is set in the waiting time timer.

  On the other hand, the main CPU 32 sets a value (08) indicating a special symbol game end process in the control state flag when it is determined in the jackpot determination that the random number for jackpot determination does not match the jackpot determination value.

  In step 30-5 (S30-5), the main CPU 32 determines that the control state flag is a value (03) indicating the big hit start interval management process, and the value of the waiting time timer in which the time corresponding to the big hit start interval is set. In the case of “0”, the special winning opening solenoid 13a is controlled so that the special winning opening 13 is opened. In addition, the main CPU 32 sets a value (05) indicating the process for opening the big prize opening in the control state flag, and at the same time, the maximum time for which the big prize opening 13 is opened in one round (big prize opening opening time). Is set in the big prize opening time timer.

  In step 30-6 (S30-6), the main CPU 32 waits for the control state flag to be a value (04) indicating the waiting time management process before reopening the big winning opening, and the time corresponding to the interval between rounds is set. When the value of the time timer is “0”, “1” is added to the value of the special winning opening opening number counter. In addition, the main CPU 32 sets a value (05) indicating a process for opening the big prize opening to the control state flag, and sets the big prize opening time to the big prize opening time timer.

  In step 30-7 (S30-7), when the control status flag is a value (05) indicating the process for opening the big winning opening, the main winning opening opening time in which the big winning opening is set. Whether any one of the conditions that the timer value is “0” or the condition that the value of the big prize counter is a predetermined value (for example, “10” or more) is satisfied. judge.

  Further, when any of the above-described conditions is satisfied, the main CPU 32 controls the special winning opening solenoid 13a so that the special winning opening 13 is closed. Further, the main CPU 32 sets a value (06) indicating the special winning opening residual ball monitoring process in the control state flag, and sets the special winning prize residual ball monitoring time in the waiting time timer.

  In step 30-8 (S30-8), the main CPU 32 sets the waiting time timer in which the control state flag is a value (06) indicating the winning ball remaining ball monitoring process and the winning ball remaining ball monitoring time is set. When the value is “0”, the condition that the game ball has not passed through the specific area provided in the big prize opening 13 or the value of the big prize opening number counter is a predetermined value (for example, “15”). It is determined whether or not any one of the conditions (the condition that the number of rounds is the final round) is satisfied. The big prize opening number counter is a counter for counting the number of rounds in the big hit state.

  When any of the above-described conditions is satisfied, the main CPU 32 sets a value (07) indicating the big hit end interval management process in the control state flag, and the time corresponding to the big hit end interval. Is set to the waiting time timer. On the other hand, when none of the above conditions is satisfied, the main CPU 32 sets a value (04) indicating a waiting time management process before the big winning opening reopening to the control state flag, and rounds. The time corresponding to the interval is set in the waiting time timer.

  In step 30-9 (S30-9), the main CPU 32 sets the control state flag to a value (07) indicating the big hit end interval management process, and sets the time corresponding to the big hit end interval to the value of the waiting time timer. If it is “0”, a value (08) indicating the special symbol game end process is set in the control state flag.

  In step 30-10 (S30-10), when the control state flag is a value (08) indicating the special symbol game end process, the main CPU 32 subtracts 1 from the special symbol hold memory number data, and the special symbol. A value (00) indicating the storage check process is set in the control state flag.

[Special symbol memory check processing]
The special symbol storage check process executed in step 30-2 (S30-2) (see FIG. 5) of the special symbol control process described above will be described below.
In the special symbol memory check process, as shown in FIG. 6, in step 30-2-1 (S30-2-1), the main CPU 32 sets the control state flag to a value (00) indicating the special symbol memory check process. It is determined whether or not. Further, when the control state flag is a value (00) indicating the special symbol storage check process, the main CPU 32 proceeds to the process of step 30-2-2 (S30-2-2) and the control state flag is special. If it is not the value (00) indicating the symbol memory check process, the special symbol memory check process is terminated.

In step 30-2-2 (S30-2-2), the main CPU 32 determines whether or not the value of the special symbol reserved storage number data stored in the main RAM 34 is “0”.
On the other hand, if the value of the special symbol reserved memory number data is “0”, the main CPU 32 proceeds to the processing of step 30-2-3 (S30-2-3), and the value of the special symbol reserved memory number data. Is equal to or greater than “1”, the process proceeds to step 30-2-4 (S30-2-4).

  In step 30-2-3 (S30-2-3), the main CPU 32 sets a command (demonstration display command) for instructing to display a predetermined demonstration on the effect display device 9. The predetermined demonstration is an operation for preventing the player from getting bored when the special symbol is not variably displayed on the effect display device 9.

  In step 30-2-4 (S30-2-4), the main CPU 32 sets a value (01) indicating the special symbol variation time management process in the control state flag.

In step 30-2-5 (S30-2-5), the main CPU 32 determines whether or not to shift the gaming state to the big hit state after the special symbol variation display is executed (big hit determination).
Specifically, the main CPU 32 refers to the jackpot determination table and determines whether the jackpot determination value stored in the jackpot determination table matches the jackpot determination random number included in the start-up storage data.

  In step 30-2-6 (S30-2-6), the main CPU 32 checks whether or not it is determined that the gaming state is to be shifted to the big hit state as a result of the big hit determination. If the main CPU 32 determines that the gaming state is to be shifted to the big hit state, the main CPU 32 proceeds to the processing of step 30-2-8 (S30-2-8) and determines not to shift the gaming state to the big hit state. In this case, the process proceeds to step 30-2-7 (S30-2-7).

  In step 30-2-7 (S30-2-7), the main CPU 32 executes the special symbol variation display on the effect display device 9 on the basis of the random symbol value for determining the lost symbol. 9 Decide which symbols to stop and display on top.

  In step 30-2-8 (S30-2-8), the main CPU 32 executes a special symbol variation display based on the random symbol value for determining the big hit symbol included in the start-up stored data, and as a result, the big hit to be stopped and displayed. Determine the design.

  In step 30-2-9 (S30-2-9), the main CPU 32 determines whether or not it is determined in step 30-2-6 (S30-2-6) to shift the gaming state to the big hit state. Then, a variation pattern is determined, and a variation pattern designation command corresponding to the determined variation pattern is set. Details of the variation pattern determination process will be described later.

  Specifically, the main CPU 32 selects a corresponding variation pattern selection table from the variation pattern selection table group based on whether or not it is determined to shift the gaming state to the big hit state. The main CPU 32 refers to the selected variation pattern selection table, selects a variation pattern based on the variation pattern selection random value, and sets a variation pattern designation command corresponding to the selected variation pattern.

  In step 30-2-10 (S30-2-10), the main CPU 32 sets the selected variation pattern designation command and symbol designation command.

  In step 30-2-11 (S30-2-11), the main CPU 32 sets the fluctuation display time corresponding to the selected fluctuation pattern in the waiting time timer.

  In step 30-2-12 (S30-2-12), the main CPU 32 clears the storage area used for the current variation.

[Variation pattern determination process]
Hereinafter, the variation pattern determination process executed in step 30-2-9 (S30-2-9) (see FIG. 6) of the special symbol memory check process described above will be described with reference to FIG.
As a result of the lottery process for determining whether or not the game ball is won at the start winning opening 12 and whether or not to make a big hit by the jackpot control means, or when it is decided to win a big hit, A jackpot control means executed by the main CPU 32 of the main control circuit 30 for determining a reach fluctuation pattern when the reach action is displayed on the effect display device 9 in the reach state when it is determined that the reach is to be displayed. As part of the run. Note that the main CPU 32 functions as a reliability determination unit when the variation pattern determination process is executed by the main CPU 32.
As shown in FIG. 7, in step 30-2-9-1 (S30-2-9-1), the main CPU 32 determines whether or not it is a big hit. If it is a big hit, the main CPU 32 proceeds to the processing of step 30-2-9-3 (S30-2-9-3). If it is not a big hit, the main CPU 32 proceeds to step 30-2-9- Move on to 2 (S30-2-9-2).

  In step 30-2-9-2 (S30-2-9-2), the main CPU 32 determines whether or not the lose reach is selected. When the lose reach is selected, the main CPU 32 proceeds to the processing of step 30-2-9-3 (S30-2-9-3), and when the lose reach is not selected, the main CPU 32 Ends the process.

  In step 30-2-9-3 (S30-2-9-3), the main CPU 32 performs a process of determining a variation pattern.

  A specific example of processing for determining the reach variation pattern executed in the variation pattern determination processing will be described below.

For example, a variation pattern selection table as shown in FIG. 10 is set in advance in the gaming machine, and variation patterns 1, variation patterns 2, variation patterns 3, variation patterns 4, and specific variation patterns 1 are set as reach variation patterns. One reach fluctuation pattern is determined from among the six patterns of the specific fluctuation pattern 2.
Each reach variation pattern is assigned a corresponding jackpot random number random value and lost random value.

In the reach selection table, when the “winning / non-winning” of whether or not a big hit is a big hit and the fluctuation pattern 1 is selected, the reach fluctuation time is determined to be 30 seconds, and the fluctuation pattern 2 is selected. In this case, the reach variation time is determined to be 40 seconds, and when the specific variation pattern 1 is selected, the reach variation time is determined to be 60 seconds. Further, when the “winning / failing” is lost and the variation pattern 3 is selected, the reach variation time is determined to be 30 seconds, and when the variation pattern 4 is selected, the reach variation time is determined to be 40 seconds. When the specific variation pattern 2 is selected, the reach variation time is determined to be 60 seconds.
Further, when the above-described variation patterns 1 and 3 are selected, the big hit reliability is 25%, and when the variation patterns 2 and 4 are selected, the big hit reliability is 40%. The jackpot reliability when selected is set to 70%.
In this embodiment, the reach variation times of the variation patterns 1 and 3, the variation patterns 2 and 4, and the specific variation patterns 1 and 2 are the same. However, in the case of loss, the variation time is set as compared with the case of the big hit. The reach variation time is made different, for example, by shortening (for example, the variation time of the variation pattern 3 in the variation pattern table is 25 seconds, the variation time of the variation pattern 4 is 35 seconds, and the variation time of the specific variation pattern 2 is 50 seconds). The design can be changed within the scope of the present invention.

[Operation of sub-control circuit]
Hereinafter, the operation (main processing) of the sub CPU 42 in the sub control circuit 40 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing the operation (main processing) of the sub CPU 42 according to the present embodiment.

[Sub control circuit main processing]
In step 200 (S200), the sub CPU 42 restores the various settings stored in the work RAM 44 to the settings when the power was previously turned off. (Or, various settings stored in the work RAM 44 are initialized.)

  In step 210 (S210), the sub CPU 42 updates values such as a notice determination random number and a character determination random number. The notice determination random number is used when the notice screen is determined according to the change display pattern designation command, and the character determination random number is used when the character appearing in the reach change is determined.

In step 220 (S220), command analysis processing is executed.
The command analysis process will be described later in detail (see FIG. 9).

In step 230 (S230), the sub CPU 42 controls the image control circuit 45 according to the data set in the command analysis process. Specifically, the sub CPU 42 displays a preview image, a background image, and the like on the effect display device 9 by controlling the image control circuit 45.
That is, an effect is displayed together with a predetermined character and a specific character selected in the command analysis process and a background corresponding to the character.

  In step 240 (S240), the sub CPU 42 controls the sound control circuit 46 in accordance with the data set in the command analysis process. Specifically, the sub CPU 42 outputs sound effects, sounds, and the like from the speaker 8 by controlling the sound control circuit 46.

  In step 250 (S250), the sub CPU 42 controls the lamp control circuit 47 in accordance with the data set in the command analysis process. Specifically, the sub CPU 42 controls the lamp control circuit 47 to turn on / off the lamp 11 in a predetermined pattern.

[Command analysis processing]
The command analysis process executed in step 220 (S220) (see FIG. 8) of the above-described sub control circuit main process will be described below. FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing command analysis processing.
In the command analysis process, the command received from the main control circuit 30 is analyzed by the sub-control circuit 40 and distributed to each control according to the type of command.
For example, the jackpot control means sets the determined reach fluctuation pattern as a command, passes it to the sub-control circuit 40, and distributes the command in the command analysis processing. It should be noted that the sub CPU 42 functions as a specific character determination unit when the command analysis processing is executed by the sub CPU 42.

As shown in FIG. 9, in step 220-1 (S220-1), it is determined whether or not a command is received in the reception buffer.
The sub CPU 42 proceeds to the process of step 220-2 (S220-2) when the command is received, and ends the process when the command is not received.

  In step 220-2 (S220-2), the sub CPU 42 performs processing for reading a command from the reception buffer.

  In step 220-3 (S220-3), the sub CPU 42 determines whether or not the command is one of the specific variation patterns 1 and 2. When the command is a command related to the specific variation pattern 1 or 2, the sub CPU 42 proceeds to the processing of Step 220-6 (S220-6), and when the command is not a command related to the specific variation pattern 1 or 2, The process proceeds to step 220-4 (S220-4).

  In Step 220-4 (S220-4), the sub CPU 42 determines whether or not the command is a command related to the variation pattern 1 or 3. If the command is a command related to the fluctuation pattern 1 or 3, the sub CPU 42 proceeds to the process of step 220-8 (S220-8). If the command is not a command related to the fluctuation pattern 1 or 3, the sub CPU 42 The process proceeds to 220-5 (S220-5).

  In Step 220-5 (S220-5), the sub CPU 42 determines whether or not the command is a command related to the variation pattern 2 or 4. If the command is a command related to the variation pattern 2 or 4, the sub CPU 42 proceeds to the processing of step 220-11 (S220-11). If the command is not a command related to the variation pattern 2 or 4, the sub CPU 42 proceeds to step 220-11. The process proceeds to 220-13 (S220-13).

  In step 220-6 (S220-6), the sub CPU 42 confirms the predetermined character currently selected. Specifically, for example, it is confirmed whether any character A, B, or C is selected as the predetermined character.

In Step 220-7 (S220-7), the sub CPU 42 refers to the character effect table shown in FIG. 11 and sets data corresponding to the command relating to the specific variation pattern 1 or 2 to the command.
That is, for example, when the currently selected character (predetermined character) confirmed in step 220-6 (S220-6) is character A (for example, the above-mentioned Soji Okita), it is associated with character A. A specific character D (for example, the above-mentioned manual cut and over) is selected, and a reach effect in which a predetermined character and a specific character appear after execution of the specific movie is selected.
Further, when the predetermined character is the character B (for example, the above-mentioned Musashi Miyamoto), the specific character E (for example, the above-mentioned Kojiro Sasaki) associated with the character B is selected, and after the specific movie is executed, the predetermined character E is selected. A reach effect in which a character and a specific character appear is selected.
Furthermore, when the predetermined character is the character C (for example, before the above-mentioned control), a specific character F (for example, the above-mentioned Ushiwaka / Benkei) associated with the character C is selected, and after executing the specific movie A reach effect in which a predetermined character and a specific character appear is selected.
Note that the symbol variation time in these cases is set to 60 seconds (see variation pattern selection table, FIG. 10).

  In step 220-8 (S220-8), the sub CPU 42 confirms the predetermined character currently selected. Specifically, for example, it is confirmed whether any character A, B, or C is selected as the predetermined character.

In step 220-9 (S220-9), the sub CPU 42 determines data corresponding to the command related to the variation pattern 1 or 3 with reference to the character effect table shown in FIG.
That is, for example, when the currently selected character (predetermined character) confirmed in step 220-8 (S220-8) is character A (for example, the above-mentioned Soji Okita), it is associated with character A. A character other than the specific character D (for example, the above-mentioned Kojiro Sasaki) or the character F (for example, the above-mentioned Ushiwaka / Benkei) is selected based on the random number for character selection and selected. It is determined to perform a reach effect in which the character appears.
In addition, when the predetermined character is the character B (for example, the above-mentioned Miyamoto Musashi), the specific character D (for example, the above-mentioned human cut-out) or the character F (other than the specific character E associated with the character B) For example, one of the above-mentioned characters (Ushiwaka / Benkei) is selected based on the random number for character selection, and it is determined to perform a reach effect in which the selected character appears.
Furthermore, when the predetermined character is the character C (for example, before the above-mentioned control), a specific character D (for example, the above-mentioned manual cut-off) or the character E (for example, other than the specific character F associated with the character C). For example, one of the above-mentioned Kojiro Sasaki) is selected based on the random number for character selection, and it is determined to perform a reach effect in which the selected character appears.
In these cases, the symbol variation time is set to 30 seconds (see variation pattern selection table, FIG. 10).

  In step 220-10 (S220-10), the sub CPU 42 sets data relating to the variation pattern determined in step 220-9 (S220-9) to a command.

In step 220-11 (S220-11), the sub CPU 42 refers to the character effect table shown in FIG. 11 and receives a command related to the variation pattern 2 or 4 in step 220-5 (S220-5). Data corresponding to the command relating to pattern 2 or 4 is determined.
That is, for example, based on the character selection random number, a specific character G (for example, the above-mentioned Hattori Hanzo) or a character H (for example, the above-mentioned Yagyu Jubei) is selected, and the selected character appears. Decide to perform reach production. At this time, the determination is made without confirming whether the predetermined character currently selected is A to C. In this case, the symbol variation time is set to 40 seconds (see variation pattern table, FIG. 10).

  In step 220-12 (S220-12), the sub CPU 42 sets data relating to the variation pattern determined in step 220-11 (S220-11) to a command.

  In step 220-13 (S220-13), the sub CPU 42 performs processing corresponding to other received commands (for example, when the received command is a command related to a demonstration display, the data related to the demonstration effect is set in the command).

  Therefore, since it is as above-mentioned, the specific character (for example, the above-mentioned person cut and stored) matched with the predetermined character (for example, the above-mentioned Soji Okita) is selected, and after execution of a specific movie, a predetermined character and a specific character are selected. When a reach effect in which a character appears (in the case of specific variation patterns 1 and 2), the same predetermined character (for example, the aforementioned Soji Okita) is selected and another effect is performed (variation) Compared to patterns 1 to 4), there is a high possibility of shifting to the big hit gaming state.

By the processing as described above, the effect display device 9 displays effects as shown in FIGS. 12 to 14, for example. The effect display example shown in the figure is merely an example of the present invention, and is not particularly limited to interpretation, and the design can be changed to other effect forms within the scope of the present invention.
The effect display in FIGS. 12 to 14 is a case of a reach effect by a specific variation pattern 1 or 2, that is, a specific character associated with a predetermined character (for example, a specific character D with respect to the predetermined character A). It is an example.
In this case, the specific movie shown in FIG. 12 is executed, and after the specific movie is executed, a reach effect in which a predetermined character and a specific character appear is selected as shown in FIGS.
An example of the effects shown in FIGS. 12 to 14 is shown in FIG. 12 (a) “Situation where trees are blowing through the town” → FIG. 12 (b) “Appearance of predetermined character A” → In FIG. 13C, “appearance of a specific character D associated with a predetermined character A” is displayed. Subsequently, the effects shown in FIG. 13 and FIG. 14 are displayed, and FIG. 13 (a) “Confrontation screen” → FIG. 13 (b) “Crash screen” → FIG. 13 (c) “Variation screen” → FIG. ) “Big hit screen” is displayed. In the present embodiment, it is assumed that a specific character falls when a big hit symbol is displayed. Further, FIG. 14B is an effect of “losing screen”, and it is assumed that a predetermined character falls down when a losing symbol is displayed.

  In the case of the variation patterns 1 to 4, the effect by the specific movie as shown in FIG. 12 is not adopted, and only the effect display similar to that in FIGS.

The schematic perspective view which shows one Example of this invention gaming machine. The block diagram of the control system of a gaming machine. The flowchart of the control system of the gaming machine by this invention (main control circuit main processing). The flowchart of the control system of the gaming machine according to the present invention (system timer interrupt processing). The flowchart of the control system of the gaming machine by this invention (special symbol control processing). The flowchart of the control system of the gaming machine by this invention (special symbol memory check processing). The flowchart of the control system of the gaming machine according to the present invention (variation pattern determination process). The flowchart of the control system of the game machine by this invention (sub control circuit main process). The flowchart of the control system of the gaming machine by this invention (sub control circuit command reception processing). Explanatory drawing which shows a fluctuation pattern table. Explanatory drawing which shows a character production table. Explanatory drawing which shows an example of the display mode of an effect display apparatus (specific movie at the time of a specific variation pattern). Explanatory drawing which shows an example of the display mode of an effect display apparatus. Explanatory drawing which shows an example of the display mode of an effect display apparatus.

Explanation of symbols

9: Display means (effect display device)
10: Character selection means (character selection operation button)
18: Game board 30: Main control circuit 32: Big hit determination means (main CPU of main control circuit)
40: Sub control circuit 42: Display control means (sub CPU of sub control circuit)
43: Storage means (program ROM)

Claims (1)

A game board comprising various game members on a game board base and constituting a game area in which a game ball rolls;
A jackpot determining means for determining whether or not to shift to a jackpot gaming state advantageous to the player on the condition that the game ball has passed through the starting area provided in the gaming area;
Storage means for storing a plurality of types of predetermined characters;
Display means for displaying the predetermined character;
A gaming machine provided in a gaming machine, comprising character selection means that allows a player to select an arbitrary predetermined character from a plurality of types of predetermined characters stored in the storage means,
The storage means stores at least specific characters corresponding to each of the predetermined characters together with the plurality of types of predetermined characters that can be selected by the player.
Reliability determination means for determining reliability related to the big hit based on the determination result of the jackpot determination means;
Specific character determining means for determining whether or not to display a specific character corresponding to the predetermined character selected by the character selecting means based on the reliability determined by the reliability determining means. A featured gaming machine.

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