JP2006320409A - Game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a game machine capable of arousing a player's eagerness to a game and effectively improving a taste. <P>SOLUTION: The Pachinko game machine 1 is provided with a game board 3 forming a game area where game balls rollingly fall, winning holes 6 and 16-19 provided in the game board 3 to introduce game balls and involving the acquisition of game balls, an out hole 9 provided in the game board 3 positioned in the lower side of the winning holes 6 and 16-19 and discharging the game balls non-introduced to the winning holes 6 and 16-19 to the outside of the game area, an out hole opening/closing member 97 opening/closing the out hole 9, and an opening/closing control means controlling the opening/closing operation of the out hole opening/closing member 97. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a gaming machine such as a pachinko gaming machine that uses a game ball to play a game.

  Currently, various game machines are on the market. Among them, in the case of pachinko machines, the game ball is launched into the game area on the game board by the operation of the launch lever. When a player enters a predetermined winning opening, a predetermined number of game balls are paid out to the player (game balls can be acquired). In particular, when a game ball enters the start winning opening, a special symbol (identification information) is displayed in a fluctuating manner, and when the special symbol is stopped and displayed with a predetermined symbol combination, a so-called “hit” is made. It shifts to a “special game state” advantageous to the player, and a large number of game balls are intermittently paid out. Note that the gaming balls that have not entered the winning opening are discharged from the out opening located below the gaming board and collected in the gaming machine.

  By the way, the game ball launched on the game board rolls and falls downward while colliding with the obstacle nail, the rolling guide member and the like, but basically falls according to gravity. Therefore, the movement of the game ball is not surprising and can be predicted relatively easily by a game expert skilled in the game. Therefore, if a game is played for a long time, it becomes impossible to have interest and expectation in the whereabouts of the game ball, and there may arise a problem that the player gets bored with the game.

Therefore, in Patent Document 1, for example, a jumping member is provided at the out port, and the game ball in the vicinity of the out port is bounced up, thereby giving unexpectedness to the movement of the game ball and improving the game entertainment. In addition, in Patent Document 2, in addition to the out port for collecting game balls, a foul port for returning the game ball to the player is provided, and the out port is closed and the foul port is opened according to the game situation. The game ball is returned to the player as a foul ball so that the player has a willingness to win another game ball.
JP 2003-260206 A JP 2004-121377 A

  However, as disclosed in Patent Document 1 and Patent Document 2 described above, even if the game ball is flipped up or returned to the player as a foul ball in order to improve interest, the game ball wins accordingly. It does not become a game form advantageous to the player, such as a change in the winning rate for the mouth, and merely discharge of the game ball through the out mouth is temporarily avoided and a game opportunity is given again. Therefore, it is difficult to effectively improve interest.

  The present invention has been made paying attention to the above-mentioned circumstances, and its purpose is to provide a gaming machine that can stimulate the player's willingness to play and can effectively improve interest. is there.

  In order to solve the above-mentioned problem, the gaming machine according to claim 1 is provided in the gaming board that forms a gaming area in which a gaming ball falls while rolling, and in which the gaming ball can be introduced, A winning opening that accompanies the acquisition of gaming balls, and an out opening for discharging gaming balls that are located on the lower side of the winning opening and are not introduced to the winning opening to the outside of the gaming area. And an outlet opening / closing member that opens and closes the outlet, and an opening / closing control means that controls an opening / closing operation of the outlet opening / closing member.

  According to the gaming machine described in claim 1, since the out port opening / closing member that opens and closes the out port is provided, the game ball that has lost its escape is closed by the out port opening / closing member. Along with this, the game area (rolling area) in which the game ball can roll is reduced and the fall trajectory of the game ball is changed by the stacked game ball. Therefore, it becomes easy for a game ball to enter the winning opening (a change can be made to the winning rate), and the player's willingness to play can be aroused and the interest can be improved effectively.

  Further, the game balls stacked on the game board due to the closing of the out port will attract the player's interest in appearance, and the entertainment can be further improved. In addition, the stacking form of the game balls on the game board depends on the launch form of the game balls that are launched into the game area, and therefore the launch form of the game balls affects the winning rate. Therefore, the player can find out a new game characteristic in the act of stacking the game balls, and the game motivation is greatly increased.

  In the above configuration, the winning opening has a function of giving a game ball to a player by introducing a game ball into the game port, but the form is arbitrary. For example, in the case of a pachinko gaming machine, examples of the prize opening include a start prize opening, a big prize opening, a V prize opening (all refer to the description of [Best Mode for Carrying Out the Invention]), etc. Can do. Moreover, the opening / closing mode of the out port by the out port opening / closing member is also arbitrary. For example, the outlet opening / closing member may be opened / closed in a shutter-type or valve-type operation mode. Further, the closing operation of the out port may be performed only under a predetermined condition, or may be performed periodically. The predetermined condition can be arbitrarily set such that, for example, a game ball is introduced into a predetermined game ball receiving port such as a winning port, or a game state is shifted to a specific game state.

  The gaming machine according to claim 2 is the gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the gaming machine is provided on the gaming board above the out port, and is closed on the gaming board by the blocking of the out port. It further has a clearance hole for allowing a part of the game balls stacked on the game board to escape from the game board.

  According to the gaming machine described in claim 2, the same operation effect as that of the gaming machine described in claim 1 can be obtained, and a part of the game balls stacked on the gaming board by the closing of the out port can be obtained. Since the escape hole for escape from the game board is provided, it is possible to avoid a situation in which the entire surface of the game board is completely covered with the game ball due to the blockage of the out port.

  In the above configuration, the number of relief holes and the opening direction are arbitrary. Further, the position of the relief hole is arbitrary as long as it is above the out port. However, in order to increase the winning rate of the game balls to the winning opening, it is desirable that the escape hole is located at the same height as the winning opening or above it. In the above configuration, the game ball that has escaped through the escape hole may be collected in the gaming machine, or may be accompanied by paying out the game ball to the player as a winning ball. It may be returned as a sphere.

  In addition, in the gaming machine described in claim 3, in the gaming machine described in claim 2, the escape hole functions as a further winning opening accompanying acquisition of a game ball.

  According to the gaming machine described in claim 3, since the same effect as the gaming machine described in claim 2 can be obtained, and the escape hole functions as a winning opening, Profit can be gained by stacking the game balls on the board and letting the game balls escape into the escape holes. Therefore, it becomes possible to greatly increase the game motivation.

  In addition, although the specific form of the further prize opening in this claim 3 is arbitrary, for example, in the case of a pachinko gaming machine, as the prize opening, a starting prize opening, a big prize opening, a V prize opening, etc. are mentioned. be able to.

  The gaming machine according to claim 4 is the gaming machine according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the escape hole is opened in a plane parallel to the board surface of the gaming board. Features.

  According to the gaming machine described in claim 4, the same effects as the gaming machine described in claim 2 or claim 3 can be obtained, and the escape hole is in a plane parallel to the board surface of the gaming board. Since the opening is open, it is difficult for the game ball to enter the escape hole when the out port is open, and therefore the escape hole hardly affects the falling trajectory of the game ball, while the out port is blocked. The game balls stacked on the game board can face the escape holes when the player is in the game, allowing the game balls to escape to the escape holes and avoiding the situation where the entire game board is completely covered with the game balls. be able to.

  Further, the gaming machine according to claim 5 is the gaming machine according to any one of claims 1 to 4, further comprising vibration means for vibrating the game board, wherein the vibration means includes: The game board is vibrated on condition that the out port is opened by the out port opening / closing member.

  According to the invention described in claim 5, the same effect as the gaming machine described in any one of claims 1 to 4 is obtained, and the out port is opened by the out port opening / closing member. Since the game board is vibrated at the time of being played, it is possible to avoid a situation in which the stacked game balls are clogged at the outlet or are not discharged from the outlet by being caught by an obstacle nail or the like.

  A gaming machine according to claim 6 is the gaming machine according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the first gaming state and the first gaming state are relative to each other. It further comprises a game state transition control means for controlling the transition of the game state between the second game state in which an advantageous game can be performed, and the opening / closing control means is configured so that the game state is controlled by the game state transition control means. On the condition that the second gaming state has been entered, the out port opening / closing member is closed to close the out port.

  According to the gaming machine described in the sixth aspect, the same effect as the gaming machine described in any one of the first to fifth aspects can be obtained, and the second advantage that is advantageous to the player can be obtained. When the game state is shifted to, the out port is closed and the winning rate of the game ball with respect to the winning port is increased, so that the interest of the second gaming state can be improved. In particular, in the case of a pachinko gaming machine, the same as a winning device (a so-called “tulip”) having a movable piece that can be converted into a first state that is easy to win a prize opening and a second state that is difficult to win a winning opening. Since the function is fulfilled by closing the outlet, there is also an advantage that the winning device can be dispensed with.

  In the above configuration, the forms of the “first gaming state” and the “second gaming state” are arbitrary. For example, in the case of a pachinko gaming machine, the “first gaming state” can include a normal gaming state, and the “second gaming state” can include a big hit gaming state, a probability variation gaming state, and a short-time gaming state (all [invention (See the description of the best mode for carrying out).

  According to the gaming machine of the present invention, it is possible to arouse the game motivation of the player and effectively improve the interest.

  Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

  FIG. 1 shows a pachinko gaming machine 1 as a gaming machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. This pachinko gaming machine 1 has a main body frame 1a that forms a housing. The main body frame 1a includes a front door 2A and a dish panel 2B. Inside the glass 2a of the front door 2A, a game board 3 (see FIG. 2) that constitutes a game area of the pachinko gaming machine 1 in which a game ball falls while rolling is attached to the main body frame 1a. Various winning areas are arranged on the surface of the game board 3 (described later).

  Further, below the game board 3, there is provided an upper plate 21 for collecting game balls to be paid out as prize balls or rental balls. The game balls discharged to the upper plate 21 are placed on the back side of the plate panel 2B. It is supplied to the provided launching device 82 (see FIG. 3).

  Also, below the upper plate 21, the ashtray 20, a discharge port 22 for discharging game balls overflowing when the upper plate 21 is filled with game balls, and a game discharged from the discharge port 22 A lower plate 23 for storing a ball and a launching handle 24 for launching a game ball toward the game unit are provided.

  Speakers 25L and 25R are provided on both sides of the dish panel 2B, and BGM and sound effects are output from the speakers 25L and 25R.

  FIG. 2 shows a specific configuration example of the game board 3. As shown in the figure, a symbol display area 4 is provided at approximately the center of the game board 3 for displaying a display including a variation display of special symbols and an effect animation as identification information for determining the game state. The symbol display area 4 is an area that mainly performs display including variation display of special symbols and effect animation based on image signal input. Specifically, a game ball wins a winning winning opening 6 (to be described later). The special symbol change display is started.

  In this embodiment, the symbol display area 4 is constituted by a liquid crystal display device 11 (see FIG. 3) as a variable display means. For example, the symbol display area 4 is constituted by a CRT (cathode ray tube), a plasma display, electroluminescence, or the like. Further, instead of an electrical display device, another mechanical device including an operation object such as a mechanical rotating reel or a model having a pattern drawn on the outer peripheral surface may be used.

  Further, the pachinko gaming machine 1 has a first gaming state called a normal gaming state and a second gaming state in which a relatively advantageous game can be performed. The second game state includes “special game state”, “probability game state”, and “short-time game state” referred to as “big hit”. In the display mode, the game status becomes “hit” and the gaming state shifts from the first gaming state to the “special gaming state” (hit gaming state) of the second gaming state. . The specific first stop display mode to be “big hit” is, for example, a special symbol stopped on the left side of the symbol display area 4, a special symbol stopped at the center of the symbol display area 4, and the right side of the symbol display area 4. All of the stopped special symbols are the same stop mode (for example, the stop mode shown in FIG. 2) in the case of the same mode. Further, according to the type of special symbol constituting the first stop display mode that is a big hit, the “big hit” is classified into “probable big hit” and “normal big hit”.

  The “probability big hit” is a “specific stop mode” (a specific stop display mode in the first stop display mode) when the predetermined probability change game state transition condition is satisfied, that is, the “probability change symbol” is arranged. Occurs when In addition, when “probability big hit” is reached, in the general gaming state after the “big hit gaming state” is ended, the probability of big hit occurrence is high (probability gaming state). On the other hand, the “normal big hit” occurs when a predetermined short time gaming state transition condition is satisfied, that is, when “non-specific stop mode” in which “normal symbols” are arranged is obtained. If “normal big hit” is reached, there will be no change in the probability of winning big hits in the general gaming state after the “big hit gaming state” ends, but the special symbol variation display time will be relatively short. It becomes. Note that such a series of gaming state control (gaming state transition control between the first gaming state and the second gaming state) is performed by the main control circuit 30 as gaming state transition control means described later. This is performed by the main CPU 31.

  Further, below the symbol display area 4, a normal electric accessory 5 constituting a start winning opening 6 called a start chucker is provided. The ordinary electric accessory 5 is a winning device (a so-called “tulip”) having a movable piece 6a that can be converted into a first state in which it is easy to win the start winning port 6 and a second state in which it is difficult to win the starting winning port 6. . Even in the second state in which the movable piece 6a is closed, about one game ball can be won. Then, when the game ball wins (introduces) at the start winning opening 6, for example, five prize balls are paid out (five game balls can be acquired).

  Further, normal symbol operating gates 7 are provided on the left and right sides of the symbol display area 4. When a game ball passes through the normal symbol operating gate 7, “○, × for normal symbol display is displayed by the symbol display area 4. The images “” are alternately lit, and when only the image “◯” is lit after a predetermined time, the ordinary electric accessory 5 is converted to the first state.

  Below the ordinary electric accessory 5, there is a large winning opening 8 called an attacker comprising a door opening and closing type variable winning device that can be converted into an “open state” advantageous to the player and a “closed state” disadvantageous to the player. Is provided. The special winning opening 8 is maintained in an open state for a predetermined period of time when the special symbol variation display in the symbol display area 4 is stopped in the big hit stop mode.

  Then, it is determined that a predetermined number (for example, 15) of prize balls will be paid out when a game ball wins the prize winning opening 8. The above-mentioned “special gaming state” means a gaming state in which the grand prize winning opening 8 is in an open state, and during this special gaming state, the open state is maintained until the ten winning balls 8 are won or 30 seconds have passed. A continuous game (hereinafter referred to as “big hit game”) can be played 15 times (round). Here, the first jackpot game is referred to as “first round”, and the second and subsequent jackpot games are also “second round”, “third round”,. . . . . . Called. In addition, in order to perform the next round after the big hit game ends, it is generally necessary to satisfy a predetermined condition of “V winning” in which a game ball wins a V winning opening.

  Here, the big winning opening 8 is composed of a plurality of winning openings, and the V winning is a V winning that is a condition for establishing the V winning when a game ball wins a V winning opening of the plurality of winning openings. The mouth is usually provided at the end of the special winning opening 8. Further, an out port 9 for discharging game balls that have not been introduced into the winning port to the outside of the gaming area is provided below the big winning port 8.

  The out port 9 is provided with an out port opening / closing member 97 for opening and closing the out port 9 adjacent thereto (in FIG. 2, a portion immediately above the out port 9). The out port opening / closing member 97 is provided so as to be movable up and down, and is driven and controlled by a sub CPU 41, which will be described later. It is like that.

  A rail 10 is installed on the left side of the game board 3. A game ball launched from a launch device 82 provided on the back side of the game board 3 moves up along the rail 10 and is driven into a game area.

  Four normal symbol storage LEDs 12 are provided on the right side of the symbol display area 4, and reserved ball storage LEDs 13 a to 13 d are provided on both sides of the symbol display area 4. The normal symbol memory LED 12 lights one by one whenever a game ball passes to the normal symbol operating gate 7 during the variation of the normal symbol, and “○,” for normal symbol display in the symbol display area 4 at that time. This is to inform the player of the number of times that “×” can be alternately turned on (up to four times), and the fifth and subsequent passes are not counted and are invalidated.

  A left wind turbine 14 and a right wind turbine 15 are provided on the left, right, top and bottom of the symbol display area 4, and the left wind turbine 14 and the right wind turbine 15 change the flow path of the game balls and rotate when the game balls collide with each other. And play a function of increasing game playability. In addition, a part of the game ball that is stacked on the game board 3 (which will be described later) directly under the wind turbines 14 and 15 located above (above the out port 9) by closing the out port 9. Are provided in order to escape from the game board 3. These relief holes 109 and 109 are opened in a plane parallel to the board surface of the game board 3 so that one or more game balls can pass therethrough at a time.

  Further, on the left and right sides of the start winning opening 6, there are provided general winning openings 16, 17, 18, 19 determined so as to pay out 10 winning balls when there are winning balls, respectively. Although not shown, the game board 3 is provided with a large number of nails that affect the movement of the game ball.

  As shown in FIG. 1, a decorative lamp 26 is provided on the housing around the game board 3 to produce a light effect according to the game state.

  FIG. 3 shows a specific configuration of the control unit of the pachinko gaming machine 1. As illustrated, the gaming operation of the pachinko gaming machine 1 is controlled by the main control circuit 30. The main control circuit 30 includes a CPU (hereinafter referred to as “main CPU”) 31 as an arithmetic processing unit, a ROM (hereinafter referred to as “main ROM”) 32 as a read-only storage means, and a readable / writable storage means. RAM (hereinafter referred to as “main RAM”) 33 as main components, and these are arranged on one circuit board.

  As the main RAM 33, a dynamic memory (DRAM) is used. Input signals from various sensors connected to the main control circuit 30 are input to the main CPU 31 in the main control circuit 30, and the main CPU 31 performs processing according to the input signals in accordance with a control program stored in the main ROM 32. Execute.

  Further, the main control circuit 30 generates a reset signal (not shown) for generating a reset signal for periodically executing the entire game control processing program (for example, every 2 ms) (this is referred to as “interrupt generation”). And an initial reset circuit 35 for generating an initial reset signal for executing an initial process for the circuit when the power is turned on.

  The main control circuit 30 includes, as signal input means, for example, a V / count switch 28S for detecting that a game ball has won a V winning opening provided in the big winning opening 8, and a V winning of the large winning opening 8. A count switch 29S that counts the number of game balls won in a specific winning opening excluding the mouth, general winning ball switches 16S to 19S that detect gaming balls that have won in the general winning openings 16, 17, 18, and 19, and A passing gate switch 7S that detects a game ball that has passed through the symbol actuating gate 7 and a start winning port switch 6S that detects a game ball that has won a winning winning port 6 are connected, and as signal output means, for example, A start opening solenoid 5a provided on the ordinary electric accessory 5 and controlling the conversion operation of the movable piece 6a, a large winning opening solenoid 8b for opening and closing the large winning opening 8, and a large winning opening 8. The data backed up by the seesaw solenoid 8a that distributes the game balls to either the V winning opening or the specific winning opening and controls the main control circuit 30 and the payout device 105 is deleted. A backup clear switch 100 is connected.

  In such a configuration, for example, when a signal from the start winning port switch 6S is input to the main control circuit 30 via the I / O port 98, the main CPU 31 uses the input signal as the start memory number in the main RAM 33. Cumulatively memorize and determine whether or not there is a big hit. Then, a control command (hereinafter referred to as “command”) relating to the display of the symbol display area 4 generated based on the determination results is transmitted to the sub-control circuit 40 described later.

  The main ROM 32 stores data necessary for various decisions regarding the display of the symbol display area 4. For example, a “hit determination table” that is referred to when determining whether or not the symbol variation stop result performed in the symbol display area 4 is a big hit, whether to generate reach when the symbol variation stop result is lost “Reach determination table” referred to when determining whether or not, “stop symbol determination table” referred to when determining the final stop mode which is the final stop mode of the special symbol, and production pattern (production A “production pattern selection table” or the like that is referred to when selecting (display pattern) is stored in the main ROM 32.

  The main CPU 31 periodically updates various random number counters, and at the time of starting winning, the main CPU 31 reads the count values of these random number counters (hereinafter referred to as “random number values”) and forms them in the main RAM 33. Store in a predetermined storage area. The random value stored here is used for various determinations performed in the main control circuit 30.

  The “big hit determination table” is used to determine whether or not the symbol variation stop result is a big hit, and the main CPU 31 determines the value of the big hit determination random number counter (“big hit determination randomness” extracted at the time of this determination). The above-mentioned determination is performed by comparing the numerical value) with a numerical range set in the jackpot determination table.

  Here, the “big hit determination random number counter” is formed in the main CPU 31 and is periodically updated within the range of “0 to 315”. As an example, in the “big hit determination table”, the numerical range of the big hit determination random value for determining the loss is “0 to 6” or “8 to 315”, and the numerical range of the big hit determination random value for determining the big hit Is “7”. In addition, there are five big hit determination random numbers which are determined as big hits during probability change: “7”, “57”, “117”, “217” and “297”.

  Further, when the start winning slot switch 6S detects the game ball when the game ball wins the start winning slot 6, the main CPU 31 stores the big hit determination random number value taken out in the big hit determination described above in the main RAM 33 holding ball. A maximum of four jackpot determination random numbers are stored as reserved balls in the reserved ball storage area of the main RAM 33.

  When the current special symbol variation game is completed, the next new special symbol variation game is performed as many times as the number of reserved balls stored in accordance with the random number for jackpot determination stored in the main RAM 33. Is continued until the reserve ball is digested.

  Further, when a reserved ball is stored in the reserved ball storage area, the light is turned on by an amount corresponding to the number of stored balls among the four reserved ball storage LEDs 13a to 13d. For example, in the holding ball LED, when one big hit determination random number value is stored in the holding ball storage area, only the left holding ball storage LED 13a is displayed, and the big hit determination random number value stored in the storage area increases. Accordingly, the right holding ball storage area LEDs are sequentially turned on from the left side.

  Then, when the special symbol variation game currently being performed is finished, the changing random number for jackpot determination is deleted, the next stored jackpot determination random value is used, and the stored ball storage LED 13 that is lit The right holding ball storage LED 13 is turned off, and this operation is continued until there is no holding ball. If the jackpot determination random number corresponding to the changing special symbol matches the jackpot random number in the jackpot determination table stored in the main ROM 32, the jackpot is determined.

  Here, the maximum number of the holding balls stored in the main RAM 33 is four, and when four holding balls are stored and the holding ball LEDs are all lit, no matter how many start ball winnings occur thereafter. It is not stored as a holding ball, and no big hit determination is made based on it.

  In addition, the pachinko gaming machine 1 includes a sub control circuit 40 disposed on one circuit board different from the main control circuit 30. Similar to the main control circuit 30, the sub control circuit 40 includes a CPU (hereinafter referred to as “sub CPU”) 41, a ROM (hereinafter referred to as “sub ROM”) 42, and a RAM (hereinafter referred to as “work RAM”). 43) as the main components.

  The sub CPU 41 constitutes image display control means, and is controlled through a serial communication IC (command output port) 50 provided in the main control circuit 30 and a command input port 99 provided in the sub control circuit 40. In accordance with the command transmitted from the circuit 30, display control including symbol variation and effect animation in the symbol display area 4 is performed. Further, in the sub CPU 41, in addition to the display control of the symbol display area 4, the voice output control from the speakers 25L and 25R according to the command transmitted from the main control circuit 30, and the frame disposed on the front door 2 and the game board 3 Operation control of a light emitting body (lamp 26) such as an LED or an on-board LED is also performed.

  As a specific means for executing processing according to the command transmitted from the main control circuit 30, the sub control circuit 40 controls the image control circuit 45 for controlling the symbol display area 4 and the speakers 25L and 25R. Audio control circuit 46 and a lamp control circuit 47 for controlling the lamp 26.

  The image control circuit 45 is configured by means for generating image data to be displayed on the liquid crystal screen based on a command from the sub CPU 41 and executing display control of the image data.

Specifically, the image control circuit 45 should read and display the dot data in the image data ROM according to the parameters set in the image data ROM and sub CPU 41 for storing dot data for generating image data. VDP for generating image data (Video
Display Processor), D / A converter that converts image data generated by VDP into RGB signals, and an initial reset circuit that generates a reset signal when the symbol control program enters an abnormal processing routine (not shown) Is provided.

  The sound control circuit 46 includes a sound source IC, an amplification circuit (amplifier), and a sound data ROM, and outputs sound signals including BGM and sound effects to speakers 25L and 25R serving as sound generating means.

  Further, the sub CPU 41 is electrically connected to the above-described out port opening / closing member 97 that opens and closes the out port 9 and a vibrator 101 as a vibration unit that vibrates the game board 3. The vibrator 101 vibrates the game board 3 on the condition that the out port 9 is opened by the out port opening / closing member 97 as described later. For example, the vibrator 101 has a predetermined frequency by applying a voltage via the sub CPU 41. It itself vibrates and transmits the vibration directly or indirectly to the game board 3.

  Next, a procedure of control processing performed by the main control circuit 30 will be described based on the flowcharts shown in FIGS.

  FIG. 4 shows main processing performed in the main control circuit 30. In this main process, first, in step 10, the main CPU 31 restores or initializes various settings in the pachinko gaming machine 1 to the settings at the time of the previous power-off. In step S12, the main CPU 31 executes a special symbol control process, which will be described later, and then performs a normal symbol control process in step S16. Thereafter, in step S18, the main CPU 31 updates the lost symbol, initial value, random number, and production random number. Perform random number update processing.

FIG. 5 shows a system timer interrupt process executed so as to interrupt the main process of FIG. 4 at a predetermined cycle (for example, 2 msec). In this system timer interrupt process, first, in step S20, the main CPU 31 updates a value such as a jackpot determination random number. Thereafter, in step S21, the main CPU 31 performs a switch input detection process. Specifically, an input signal input by the V / count switch 28S, the count switch 29S, the start winning port switch 6S, the general winning port switches 16S to 19S, or the like is detected. Subsequently, in step S22, the main CPU 31 updates the remaining variation display time of the normal symbols and special symbols that are variably displayed, the remaining opening time of the start port 6 and the big winning port 8 in the open state, and the like. In step S <b> 23, the main CPU 31 outputs a signal for driving a solenoid or the like that drives the start port 6 or the special winning port 8. Thereafter, in step S24, the main CPU 31 executes an identification symbol designation command for designating a stop symbol of the identification symbol, a variation display pattern designation command for designating a variation display pattern (effect display pattern) of the set identification symbol, and the like. Output to. Subsequently, in step S25, the main CPU 31 pays out a predetermined game ball as a prize ball in accordance with the type of the prize slot into which the game ball has entered (general prize openings 16 to 19, the big prize opening 8, etc.). Is output to the payout / firing control circuit 102.
Next, the “special symbol control process” in step S12 of FIG. 4 will be described with reference to FIG. In FIG. 6, the numerical values drawn on the sides of step S102 to step S110 indicate game control flags corresponding to those steps, and one step corresponding to the numerical value according to the numerical value of the game control flag. Is executed.

  First, as shown in FIG. 6, a process for loading a control state flag is executed (step S101). In this process, the main CPU 31 reads the control state flag. If this process ends, the process moves to a step S102.

  In steps S102 to S110, which will be described later, as will be described later, the main CPU 31 determines whether or not to execute various processes in each step based on the value of the control state flag. This control state flag indicates the game state of the special symbol game, and enables one of the processes from step S102 to step S110 to be executed.

  In step S102, a special symbol storage check process described later with reference to FIG. 7 is executed. In this process, the main CPU 31 checks the reserved memory number counter when the control state flag is a value (00) indicating a special symbol memory check. The identification information, the presentation display pattern of the identification information, etc. are determined. Further, the main CPU 31 sets a value (01) indicating special symbol variation time management in the control state flag, and sets the variation time corresponding to the variation pattern determined in the current process in the waiting time timer.

  In step S103, a special symbol variation time management process is executed. In this process, the main CPU 31 sets the control state flag to a value (01) indicating special symbol variation time management, and if the variation time has elapsed, sets the value (02) indicating special symbol display time management to the control state flag. And a fixed display waiting time (for example, 1 second) is set in the waiting time timer.

  In step S104, a special symbol display time management process is executed. In this process, the main CPU 31 determines whether or not it is a big hit when the control state flag is a value (02) indicating special symbol display time management and the fixed display waiting time has elapsed. In the case of a big hit, the main CPU 31 sets a value (03) indicating the big hit start interval management in the control state flag, and sets a time (for example, 10 seconds) corresponding to the big hit start interval in the waiting time timer. That is, after the time corresponding to the big hit start interval elapses, the process of step S105 is set to be executed. On the other hand, the main CPU 31 sets a value (08) indicating the end of the special symbol game when it is not a big hit.

  In step S105, a big hit start interval management process is executed. The main CPU 31 reads the value from the main ROM 32 in order to open the big winning opening 8 when the control status flag is a value (03) indicating the big hit start interval management and the time corresponding to the big hit start interval has elapsed. Based on the obtained data, the variables positioned in the main RAM 33 are updated. The main CPU 31 sets a value (04) indicating that the special winning opening 8 is being opened to the control state flag, and sets an open upper limit time (for example, 30 seconds) to the special winning opening time timer.

  In step S106, a waiting time management process before reopening the big winning opening is executed. In this process, the main CPU 31 sets the large winning opening opening number counter to 1 when the control state flag is a value (06) indicating the large winning opening reopening waiting time management and the time corresponding to the interval between rounds has elapsed. Update the memory so that it increases. The main CPU 31 sets a value (04) indicating that the special winning opening is open in the control state flag. The main CPU 31 sets the opening upper limit time (for example, 30 seconds) in the big prize opening time timer.

  In step S107, a special winning opening opening process is executed. In this process, when the control status flag is a value (04) indicating that the big prize opening is open, the main CPU 31 has passed the condition that the big prize opening prize counter is 10 or more and the opening upper limit time (the big prize opening). It is determined whether or not any of the conditions that the time timer is 0) is satisfied. The main CPU 31 updates a variable positioned in the main RAM 33 in order to close the special winning opening 8 when any of the conditions is satisfied. The main CPU 31 sets a value (05) indicating monitoring of the winning ball remaining ball in the control state flag. The main CPU 31 sets the winning ball remaining ball monitoring time (for example, 1 second) in the waiting time timer.

  In step S108, a special winning opening residual ball monitoring process is executed. In this process, the main CPU 31 has a value (05) indicating that the control state flag indicates monitoring of the winning ball in the winning a prize mouth, and the game ball passes through a specific area in the winning prize port when the monitoring time of the remaining ball in the winning prize mouth elapses. It is determined whether or not the condition that the winning prize opening number counter is 15 or more (the final round) is satisfied. When any of the conditions is satisfied, the main CPU 31 sets a value (07) indicating the jackpot end interval in the control state flag, and sets a time corresponding to the jackpot end interval in the waiting time timer. In other words, after the time corresponding to the big hit end interval has elapsed, the setting in step S109 is performed. On the other hand, when neither of the conditions is satisfied, the main CPU 31 sets a value (06) indicating the special winning opening reopening waiting time management in the control state flag. The main CPU 31 sets a time corresponding to the interval between rounds in the waiting time timer.

  In step S109, jackpot end interval processing is executed. In this process, the main CPU 31 controls the value (08) indicating the end of the special symbol game when the control state flag is a value (07) indicating the jackpot end interval and the time corresponding to the jackpot end interval has elapsed. Set the status flag. The main CPU 31 sets a high probability flag in order to vary the jackpot probability when a predetermined probability variation condition is satisfied. Note that the “predetermined probability variation condition” means that, for example, the special symbol 0 to 9 is a big hit with three odd special symbols.

  In step S110, a special symbol game end process is executed. In this process, when the control state flag is a value (08) indicating the end of the special symbol game, the main CPU 31 stores and updates the pending storage number counter to be decreased by one. In order to display the next variation, the main CPU 31 extracts the random numbers for the jackpot determination random number value and the jackpot symbol determination random number value extracted at the time of winning the start winning opening 8 and stored in a predetermined reserved storage area. Shift sequentially.

  Next, the “special symbol storage check process” in step S102 of FIG. 6 will be described with reference to FIG.

  First, in step S200, the main CPU 31 confirms whether or not the control state flag is a value (00) indicating a special symbol storage check. When the control state flag is a value (00) indicating the special symbol storage check, the main CPU 31 proceeds to the process of step S202, and when the control state flag is not the value (00) indicating the special symbol storage check. Finishes the special symbol control process.

  In step S <b> 202, the main CPU 31 confirms whether or not the number of reserved storage (starting storage number) stored in the main RAM 33 is “0”. The main CPU 31 proceeds to the process of step S206 when the number of reserved memories is “0”, and proceeds to the process of step S204 when the number of reserved memories is not “0”.

  In step S206, the main CPU 31 generates and sets a demonstration effect command for instructing execution of the demonstration effect display. This demonstration effect command is generated when the gaming state is a waiting state for a customer (a state in which a special symbol variable display operation is not performed, a big hit game is not performed, and there is no reserved memory). The

  In step S204, the main CPU 31 sets a value (01) indicating special symbol variable display time management in the control state flag. Thereafter, in step S208, the main CPU 31 performs a jackpot determination based on the jackpot determination random number included in the reserved ball storage area. Subsequently, in step 210, the main CPU 31 confirms whether or not the result of the jackpot determination is to shift the gaming state to the jackpot gaming state. Further, when the result of the big hit determination is to shift the gaming state to the big hit gaming state, the main CPU 31 proceeds to the processing of step S212, and the result of the big hit determination does not shift the gaming state to the big hit gaming state. In that case, the process proceeds to step S214.

  In step S214, the main CPU 31 determines an off symbol based on a predetermined random value. Specifically, the main CPU 31 determines whether or not to execute reach (reach fluctuation display or the like) in the variable symbol special display based on the random number value extracted from the reach determination random number. Further, when executing the reach (reach fluctuation display or the like) in the special symbol variable display, the main CPU 31 displays the “left” and “right” symbols based on the random number values extracted from the random numbers for determining the reach symbols. And the “medium” symbol is determined based on the random number value extracted from the random number for determining the missed symbol. Further, when the reach is not executed in the variable display of the special symbols, the main CPU 31 is based on the random number values extracted from the random symbols for determining the off symbol corresponding to “left”, “middle”, and “right”, respectively. , “Left”, “Middle” and “Right” symbols are determined.

  In step S212, the main CPU 31 determines the jackpot symbol ("left", "medium", "right") based on the jackpot symbol determining random value included in the hold storage. Thereafter, in step S216, the main CPU 31 performs a process of determining a special symbol variation display pattern (effect display pattern). Specifically, the main CPU 31 extracts one random number value from random numbers generated in a range of 0 to 99 by a random number generator. Then, the main CPU 31 compares the extracted random number value with the variation display pattern selection table to determine the variation display pattern (effect display pattern) of the special symbol.

  Thereafter, in step S218, the main CPU 31 sets a variable display time corresponding to the variable display pattern determined in step S216 in the waiting time timer. Subsequently, in step S220, the main CPU 31 deletes the random number value and the like used for the special symbol variation display this time from a predetermined storage area.

  Next, a procedure of control processing performed by the sub control circuit 40 will be described based on the flowcharts shown in FIGS.

  In the sub control circuit 40, “main processing” shown in FIG. 8 is performed based on a predetermined command sent from the main control circuit 30. In the “main process”, first, for example, an initialization process is performed with the start-up of the power supply (step S300). When this initialization process is performed, a random number update process for updating a random number required for the subsequent processes is performed (step S301). When the random number update process is performed, a command analysis control process described later with reference to FIG. 10 is performed (step S302).

  In general, in the sub control circuit 40, as shown in the command reception interrupt process shown in FIG. 9 (the process of interrupting the main process in FIG. 8 when the command is received), the command received from the main control circuit 30 is interrupted. Once stored, in the command analysis process, the stored command is read and the corresponding data is set. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 9, first, in step 400, the sub CPU 41 waits for information stored in the register. Subsequently, in step 401, the sub CPU 41 stores the command input from the main control circuit 30 in the reception buffer. In step 402, the sub CPU 41 restores the information that was made to wait in step S400 to the register.

  As described above, in the main control circuit 30 that transmits a command to the sub-control circuit 40, for example, when a game ball enters the start winning opening 6, a jackpot determination random number value is extracted, and a jackpot determination is performed based on this. A display result (a combination of special symbols) is determined based on the determination result. Further, the main control circuit 30 determines a variation display pattern with reference to the “variation display pattern selection table” stored in the main ROM 32 based on the display result, and the determined variation display pattern together with the display result. It is transmitted to the sub-control circuit 40 as predetermined commands (identification symbol designation command and variable display pattern designation command). Upon receiving these commands, the sub control circuit 40 sets special symbol display data and variable display data corresponding to the received commands in a predetermined work area in the command analysis control process of step S302.

  When the command analysis process in step S302 (see FIG. 8) is completed, an out port opening / closing process described later with reference to FIG. 11 is subsequently performed (step S303). When the outlet opening / closing process ends, display control processing (step S304), sound output control processing (step S305), and lamp lighting control processing (step S306) are performed. In the display control process, under the control of the sub CPU 41 and the image control circuit 45, the display of the variable display pattern (effect display pattern) is displayed on the liquid crystal display device 11 based on the data set in the command analysis control process of step S302. Is done. In the sound output control process, sound effects corresponding to the variable display pattern are produced by the speakers 25L and 25R under the control of the sub CPU 41 and the sound control circuit 46. Further, in the lamp lighting control process, under the control of the sub CPU 41 and the lamp control circuit 47, a light effect corresponding to the variable display pattern is performed by the lamp 26. When these steps 304, 305, and 306 are completed, the process returns to the initialization process in step S300.

  Next, the command analysis processing in step S302 of FIG. 8 will be described based on the flowchart shown in FIG.

  In this command analysis process, first, in step S500, the sub CPU 41 determines whether or not the above-described variable display pattern designation command has been received. If the determination result is YES, the process proceeds to step S501, and if NO, the process proceeds to step S502.

  In step S501, the sub CPU 41 sets the variable display pattern data corresponding to the received command in a predetermined work area, and ends the command analysis process.

  On the other hand, in step S502, the sub CPU 41 determines whether or not a probability change state start command has been received. That is, it is determined whether or not a command indicating the start of the probability variation gaming state is transmitted from the main CPU 31 to the sub CPU 41. If the determination result is yes, the process proceeds to step S503, and the probability variation state flag is set to ON. On the other hand, when the determination result of step S502 is NO, the process proceeds to step S504.

  In step S504, the sub CPU 41 determines whether or not a command indicating the end of the probability variation gaming state is transmitted from the main CPU 31. If the determination result is YES, the process proceeds to step S505, and if the determination result is NO, the process proceeds to step S507.

  In step S505, the sub CPU 41 clears the probability variation state flag (sets it to OFF), and ends the command analysis process. On the other hand, in step S507, the sub CPU 41 executes processing corresponding to other commands (commands other than the change display pattern designation command) received from the main CPU 31, and ends the command analysis processing.

  Next, the outlet opening / closing process in step S303 in FIG. 8 will be described based on the flowchart shown in FIG. The out port opening / closing process is performed after the command analysis process described above with reference to FIG.

  In the outlet opening / closing process, first, the sub CPU 41 determines whether or not the probability variation state flag is ON in step S600. That is, it is determined whether or not the probability variation gaming state is started. If the determination result is YES, the process proceeds to step S601, and an out port closing process in which the out port 9 is closed by the out port opening / closing member 97 is performed. On the other hand, if the determination result in step S600 is NO, the process proceeds to step S602, and an out port opening process in which the out port 9 is opened by the out port opening / closing member 97 is performed. That is, in this out port opening / closing process, the sub CPU 41 functions as an opening / closing control means for controlling the opening / closing operation of the out port opening / closing member 97.

  When the out-opening process in step S602 ends, the sub CPU 41 performs a board surface vibration process in which the board surface of the game board 3 is vibrated by driving the vibrator 101 in step S603. This board vibration process is terminated after a predetermined time has elapsed since the process of driving the vibrator 101 was performed.

  Here, reference will be made to FIGS. 12 to 15 schematically showing the game board so that a series of flows of the outlet opening / closing process can be visually understood.

  As shown in FIG. 12, when the probability variation gaming state is started with the out port opening / closing member 97 being opened, the out port opening / closing member 97 is closed as shown in FIG. In this state, when the game balls are continuously driven onto the game area of the game board 3, the game balls S that have lost the escape are stacked on the game board 3 as shown in FIG. The game area (rolling area) where the ball can roll is reduced, and the falling trajectory of the game ball is also changed by the stacked game balls S. Therefore, it becomes easy for a game ball to enter the winning openings 17, 18 and the like. Further, when the game balls are driven into the game area of the game board 3 from the state of FIG. 14, a part of the stacked game balls reach the escape hole 109 as shown in FIG. It is dropped into the hole 109 (escapes from the game board 3 through the escape hole 109). Thereby, a predetermined number of game balls are paid out to the player. That is, the escape hole 109 functions as a winning opening that accompanies acquisition of a game ball.

  In this way, in the outlet opening / closing process, the sub CPU serving as the opening / closing control means sets the outlet opening / closing member 97 on condition that the main CPU 31 has shifted the gaming state to the probability changing gaming state as the second gaming state. The game is closed to close the out port 9 to form an advantageous game form that makes it easy to win the game ball in the winning port.

  As described above, in the pachinko gaming machine 1 according to the present embodiment, since the out port opening / closing member 97 for opening and closing the out port 9 is provided, the out port 9 is closed by the out port opening / closing member 97. The game balls that have lost their escape are stacked on the game board 3, and accordingly, the game area in which the game balls can roll (rolling area) becomes smaller, and the falling trajectory of the game balls fluctuates due to the stacked game balls. Is done. Therefore, it becomes easy for a game ball to enter the winning opening (a change can be made to the winning rate), and the player's willingness to play can be aroused and the interest can be improved effectively. The same function as a winning device (a so-called “tulip” ordinary electric accessory 5) having a movable piece that can be converted into a first state that is easy to win a prize opening and a second state that is difficult to win a winning opening. Is achieved by closing the out port 9, so that the advantage that the winning device can be dispensed with is also obtained.

  In addition, the game balls that are stacked on the game board 3 due to the blockage of the out port 9 attract the player's interest in appearance, and can further enhance the interest. Further, the stacked form of the game balls on the game board 3 depends on the form of the game balls launched into the game area, and therefore the form of the game balls determines the winning rate. Therefore, the player can find a new game play in the act of stacking game balls, and the game will be greatly motivated.

  Further, in the pachinko gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment, the escape hole 109 for allowing a part of the game balls stacked on the game board 3 due to the closing of the out port 9 to escape from the game board 3 is provided. It is possible to avoid a situation in which the entire surface of the game board 3 is completely covered with game balls due to the blockage of the out port 9.

  Further, in the pachinko gaming machine 1 according to the present embodiment, the escape hole 109 functions as a winning opening, so that the player can successfully stack the game balls on the game board 3 and let the game balls escape to the escape holes 109. Can be profitable. Therefore, it becomes possible to greatly increase the game motivation.

  Further, in the pachinko gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment, the escape hole 109 is opened in a plane parallel to the board surface of the game board 3, so that when the out port 9 is opened, the game ball is placed in the escape hole 109. Therefore, the escape holes 109 are less likely to affect the dropping trajectory of the game balls, while the game balls stacked on the game board 3 are separated from the escape holes 109 when the out port 9 is closed. Since they can face each other, it is possible to allow the game ball to escape to the escape hole 109, and the situation where the entire surface of the game board 3 is completely covered with the game ball can be avoided.

  Further, in the pachinko gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment, the game board 3 is vibrated by the vibrator 101 when the out port 9 is opened by the out port opening / closing member 97, so that the stacked game balls are stored in the out port 9. It is possible to avoid such a situation that the product is clogged with or is caught on the obstacle nail or the like and is not discharged from the out port 9.

  Further, in the pachinko gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment, since the out-port 9 is closed and the winning rate of the game ball with respect to the winning opening is increased when shifting to the probability changing gaming state advantageous to the player, the probability changing gaming state is increased. The interest can be improved.

  Needless to say, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and can be variously modified without departing from the scope of the invention. For example, in the embodiment described above, the out port 9 is closed when the probability variation gaming state starts, but the out port 9 is closed when the short-time gaming state and the big hit gaming state are triggered. Also good. In the embodiment described above, the out port opening / closing member 97 has a shutter structure, but may have an opening / closing valve structure. In the above-described embodiment, the closing operation of the out port opening / closing member 97 is performed on the condition that the probability variation gaming state is started. However, even if the closing operation of the out port opening / closing member 97 is simply performed without giving a condition, good. Further, in the above-described embodiment, two escape holes 109 are provided and the escape holes 109 are open in a plane parallel to the board surface of the game board 3, but the number and the opening direction of the escape holes 109 are arbitrary. is there. Further, the position of the relief hole 109 is arbitrary as long as it is above the out port 9. However, in order to increase the winning rate of the game balls to the winning opening, it is desirable that the escape hole 109 is located at the same height as the winning opening or above it. In the above-described embodiment, the game ball that has escaped through the escape hole 109 is accompanied by paying out the game ball to the player as a winning ball (the escape hole 109 functions as a winning opening). The game ball that has escaped through 109 may simply be collected in the gaming machine without acquiring a prize ball, or may be returned to the player as a foul ball.

  The present invention can be applied not only to pachinko gaming machines but also to various gaming machines that handle game balls.

It is a perspective view of the pachinko gaming machine which shows an example of the gaming machine of this invention. It is a front view which shows the specific structural example of the game board of the pachinko gaming machine of FIG. It is a block diagram which shows the control circuit of the pachinko gaming machine of FIG. It is a flowchart of the main process of a main control circuit. It is a flowchart of the system timer interruption process of the main control circuit. It is a flowchart of the special symbol control process of the main control circuit. It is a flowchart of a special symbol memory check process of the main control circuit. It is a flowchart of the main process of a sub control circuit. It is a flowchart of a command reception interrupt process of the sub-control circuit. It is a flowchart of the command analysis process of a sub control circuit. It is a flowchart of the out port opening / closing process of a sub-control circuit. It is the figure (out mouth open state) which showed typically a series of flows of out mouth opening and closing processing. It is the figure (the 1st step of the out mouth closed state) which showed typically a series of flows of out mouth opening and closing processing. It is the figure (second stage of the out mouth closed state) which showed typically a series of flows of out mouth opening and closing processing. It is the figure (3rd step of an out port obstruction | occlusion state) which showed typically a series of flows of the out port opening and closing process.

Explanation of symbols

1 Pachinko machine (game machine)
3 Game board 6 Start winning entrance (winning entrance)
9 Out port 16, 17, 18, 19 Winning port 31 Main CPU (Game state transition control means)
41 Sub CPU (opening / closing control means)
97 Out port opening and closing member 101 Vibrator (vibration means)
109

Claims (6)

A game board that forms a game area in which the game ball rolls and falls,
A prize opening that is provided in the game board so that a game ball can be introduced, and the game ball is acquired;
An out port for discharging game balls that are provided on the gaming board below the winning port and not introduced into the winning port;
An outlet opening and closing member for opening and closing the outlet;
Opening / closing control means for controlling the opening / closing operation of the outlet opening / closing member;
A gaming machine characterized by comprising:   The game board further includes an escape hole that is provided on the game board and is located above the out port, and allows a part of the game balls that are stacked on the game board by the blockage of the out port to escape from the game board. The gaming machine according to claim 1.   The gaming machine according to claim 2, wherein the escape hole functions as a further winning opening accompanying acquisition of a game ball.   4. The gaming machine according to claim 2, wherein the escape hole is opened in a plane parallel to the board surface of the game board. Further comprising a vibration means for vibrating the game board,
The gaming machine according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the vibration means vibrates the game board on condition that the out port is opened by the out port opening / closing member. . Game state transition control means for controlling the transition of the game state between the first game state and the second game state in which a relatively advantageous game can be performed over the first game state is further provided. ,
The opening / closing control means closes the out opening by closing the out opening / closing member on the condition that the gaming state has been shifted to the second gaming state by the gaming state transition control means. The gaming machine according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

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