JP2007014585A - Game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To improve the savor of a game while improving the operability of an operation means by resolving the troublesomeness of performing a plurality of stop operations to a plurality of buttons for respective pattern elements in the conventional game machine. <P>SOLUTION: In the game machine, when the operation of "W click" is performed to a pattern stop button 72, a stop flag is turned to (03), a third stop pattern number is decided, and the stop control of the two which are a first pattern during variable display on the leftmost side of a decorative pattern display device 10 and a second pattern at the center positioned on the right side is performed. Then, when the operation of "single pressing" is performed to the pattern stop button 72, the stop flag is turned to (02), a second stop pattern number is decided, and the stop control of one third pattern during the variable display on the rightmost side of the decorative pattern display device 10 is performed. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a gaming machine that variably displays and stops a plurality of symbol elements displayed on a display means.

  Conventionally, as this type of gaming machine, for example, there is a pachinko machine. In a general pachinko machine, when a pachinko ball wins a start winning opening provided on the surface of the game board, a variable display of each symbol constituting the identification symbol is started on the symbol display device, and whether or not a big hit game is performed. The big hit lottery will be held. When the big hit lottery is won, when the change display of the symbols is stopped, a predetermined symbol is stopped and displayed on the symbol display device, and a big hit game advantageous to the player is performed.

  In such a pachinko machine, there is a known pachinko machine that stops and displays all symbols variably displayed in a plurality of columns by operating one button. However, in recent years, in order to further improve the game playability. There is also a pachinko machine disclosed in Patent Document 1 that includes a plurality of buttons and displays a corresponding symbol in a short time when each button is operated.

This pachinko machine has three buttons on the handle portion of the launch handle or on the front surface of the gaming machine for individually stopping and displaying the symbols that are variably displayed in three rows on the symbol display device. When the pachinko ball launched on the game board wins the start winning opening, the symbol display on the symbol display device is started. When one of the buttons is operated by the player, the symbols in the column corresponding to the operated button are stopped and displayed in a short time. Therefore, in this pachinko machine, by operating each button to stop and display each symbol one by one, the process of all the symbols can be recognized at the timing desired by the player, and the symbols to be displayed in a variable manner are displayed. Improvement of game play when stopping and displaying is attempted.
Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2002-292035 (paragraphs [0087] to [0097], [0099] to [0105])

  However, in the pachinko machine shown in Patent Document 1 described above, in order to stop and display all the symbols that are variably displayed, the buttons corresponding to the symbols must be operated each time, and the stop operation tends to be troublesome. It was. In addition, since a plurality of buttons are provided, a large arrangement space is required for an operation panel portion of the gaming machine and the manufacturing cost increases.

The present invention has been made in order to solve such a problem. Display means for displaying an identification symbol composed of a plurality of symbol elements, and display control means for causing each symbol element to be variably displayed on the display means and to stop display. In a gaming machine configured with
An operation means for performing a plurality of operations by the player; and an operation detection means for detecting at least two operations among the plurality of operations for the operation means. The display control means is detected by the operation detection means. The stop symbol number determining means for determining the number of stop symbols of the symbol elements based on the type of operation, and the symbol element having the number of stop symbols determined by the stop symbol number determining means for the operation for determining the number of stop symbols. It is characterized by comprising stop display means for stopping display based on this.

  According to this configuration, when an operation is performed on the operation unit while the variable display of each symbol element is performed, the type of the operation is detected by the operation detection unit. Then, based on the type of operation detected, the number of symbols to be stopped is determined, and the symbol elements having the determined number of symbols to be stopped are displayed on the display means. For this reason, it becomes possible to determine the number of symbols to be stopped and to stop the symbol elements having the determined number of symbols to be stopped by only an operation on one operation means. Therefore, in the conventional gaming machine, it is possible to eliminate the inconvenience of performing a plurality of stop operations on a plurality of buttons for each symbol element, improving the operability of the operation means and improving the fun of the game. . Further, since only one operation means is required, the space for arranging the operation means in the gaming machine is reduced, and the manufacturing cost of the gaming machine can be reduced.

  The present invention further includes a detection time measurement unit that measures a detection time from when the operation of the operation unit is detected by the operation detection unit to when it is no longer detected. The stop symbol number determination unit is a predetermined time by the detection time measurement unit. When the detection time is measured, it is determined that the first operation on the operation means has been performed, the first stop symbol number is determined, and when the predetermined detection time is not measured by the detection time measurement means The number of stop symbols different from the first number of stop symbols is determined.

  According to this configuration, when the predetermined detection time is measured by the detection time measuring unit, the first operation on the operation unit is detected, and the symbol elements corresponding to the number of first stop symbols are stopped and displayed on the display unit. . When the predetermined detection time is not measured by the detection time measuring means, the number of symbol elements different from the first stop symbol number is stopped and displayed on the display means. Therefore, depending on whether or not the operation on the operation means is performed for a predetermined detection time, the number of stop symbols of the symbol elements can be varied, and the operability of the operation means is improved.

  The present invention further includes a remaining time measuring unit that measures a remaining time from when the operation is not detected after the operation detecting unit detects the operation of the operating unit, and the stop symbol number determining unit includes the remaining time. When the operation detection means does not detect the operation of the operation means again, it is determined that the second operation has been performed on the operation means, the second stop symbol number is determined, and the operation detection means within the remaining time When the operation of the operation means is detected again, it is determined that the third operation for the operation means has been performed, and a third stop symbol number different from the second stop symbol number is determined. .

  According to this configuration, if the operation of the operation unit is not detected again within the remaining time, the second operation is detected, and the symbol elements corresponding to the second number of stopped symbols are stopped and displayed on the display unit. Further, when the operation of the operating means is detected again within the remaining time, the third operation is detected, and the symbol elements corresponding to the third number of stopped symbols are stopped and displayed on the display means. For this reason, the number of symbols to be stopped of the symbol elements can be made different depending on whether or not the operation means is operated again within the remaining time, and the operability of the operation means is improved.

  According to the gaming machine of the present invention, as described above, the troublesomeness of performing a plurality of stop operations on a plurality of buttons for each symbol element in a conventional gaming machine is eliminated, and the operability of the operating means is improved. However, it is possible to improve the interest of the game. Further, since only one operation means is required, the space for arranging the operation means in the gaming machine is reduced, and the manufacturing cost of the gaming machine can be reduced.

  Next, a pachinko machine 1 according to the best embodiment of the present invention will be described.

  FIG. 1 is a front view of a pachinko machine 1 according to the present embodiment. A game board in which a game area 2 is formed is provided in front of the pachinko machine 1. An upper plate 3 is provided below the game board, and a lower plate 7 is provided below the upper plate 3. The prize ball is paid out to the upper plate 3, but is paid out to the lower plate 7 when the upper plate 3 is full. A unit mounting portion 7a is formed at a predetermined position on the left side of the lower plate 7, and an operation unit 70 is mounted on the unit mounting portion 7a as shown in FIG. The handle base 9 provided on the right side of the lower plate 7 has a launch handle 5 that is operated by the player when the pachinko ball, which is a game ball, is launched to the game area 2 via the rail area 4. It is provided so as to be rotatable. Further, an upper frame decoration lamp 6 is provided above the game area 2.

  In the center of the game area 2, there is provided a decorative symbol display device 10 constituting display means for displaying an identification symbol. The decorative symbol display device 10 includes a liquid crystal display (LCD), and displays a plurality of symbol elements such as numbers and characters as decorative symbols. Above the decorative symbol display device 10, a normal symbol display device 11 and a special symbol display device 12 are provided. The normal symbol display device 11 is composed of LEDs (light emitting diodes) that alternately display “O” and “X” constituting the normal symbol, and the special symbol display device 12 is “0” to “9” constituting the special symbol. It consists of LEDs that display the number of 7 segments. In the decorative symbol display device 10 and the special symbol display device 12, the decorative symbol and the special symbol are changed and displayed in a special symbol game (see FIG. 8) described later. In addition, when the special symbol game is not being performed, a plurality of types of effect screens (demo screens) are displayed on the decorative symbol display device 10.

  Below the normal symbol display device 11 and the special symbol display device 12, a normal symbol start memory number display unit 91 composed of four LEDs is provided. Both the left and right sides of the normal symbol display device 11 and the special symbol display device 12 are provided. Are provided with four special symbol start memory number display sections 92a, 92b, 92c, and 92d. Each special symbol start memorized number display section 92a to 92d is also lit by an LED provided behind. In addition, passing gates 13 are provided on the left and right of the decorative symbol display device 10. The passing gate 13 constitutes a normal symbol starting port for starting a normal symbol variation display that is lit and displayed on the normal symbol display device 11. Also, below the decorative symbol display device 10, an ordinary electric accessory (ordinary electric combination) 14 is provided. The ordinary electric accessory 14 constitutes a special symbol start winning opening for starting the variation display of the special symbol displayed on the special symbol display device 12, and is in an open state shown in FIG. In addition, the ball receiving port has a vane member that is displaceable to a closed state, which is a disadvantageous state. Also, below the ordinary electric accessory 14 is provided with a big prize opening 15 which is opened in the case of a big hit game, which will be described later, and a general winning opening 16 is provided on the left and right of the ordinary electric accessory 14, respectively. ing. Further, below the grand prize winning hole 15, there is provided an out mouth 17 through which a pachinko ball that has not won a prize in any of the above-described ordinary electric accessory 14, grand prize winning hole 15 and general prize winning hole 16 enters. .

  Up to four pachinko balls that have passed through the passage gate 13 are reserved, and the number of retained pachinko balls is stored in a normal symbol retained number counter stored in a main RAM 34 to be described later. In accordance with the number of reserved items, the above-described normal symbol start memorized number display unit 91 is lit and displayed up to four. Similarly, up to four pachinko balls won in the ordinary electric combination 14 are held, and the number of holds is stored in the ordinary electric combination winning counter stored in the main RAM 34 described later. Depending on the number of reserved items, the special symbol start memory number display units 92a to 92d described above are lit up and displayed in a maximum of four.

  The operation unit 70 is configured to include a symbol stop button 72 on the upper surface, and the symbol stop button 72 is used when the variable display of the decorative symbol displayed on the decorative symbol display device 10 is stopped. The symbol stop button 72 is also used when switching the type of effect screen displayed on the decorative symbol display device 10. The symbol stop button 72 constitutes an operation means that allows a player to perform a plurality of operations. As will be described later, a “long press” operation, a “single press” operation, and a “W click” operation are performed. .

  FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the main configuration of an electronic circuit that controls the gaming operation of the pachinko machine 1. This electronic circuit is a main control circuit provided on the main control board 30 that performs electrical control related to the progress of the pachinko game, etc., and a sub-control that performs electrical control of various rendering devices based on control signals from the main control circuit A sub-control circuit provided on the substrate 40 and a payout / firing control circuit provided on a frame control board 60 for controlling the payout of prize balls and the like, and the firing of pachinko balls, and the like.

  A main CPU 31 and an initial reset circuit 32 are mounted on the main control board 30. The main control board 30 also stores a main ROM (read only memory) 33 in which a program for the main CPU 31 to process and control gaming operations of the pachinko machine 1 is stored, and data is temporarily stored at the time of processing control. A main RAM (Random Access Memory) 34 is also mounted. In the main RAM 34, a big winning opening opening counter for counting the number of opening of the big winning opening 15 in the big hit game, and a big winning opening opening time for measuring the time that the big winning opening 15 is open in each round of the big hit game. The timer, the above-described normal symbol holding number counter, the normal electric winning prize counter, and the like are stored. The initial reset circuit 32 generates a reset signal for starting a game process according to a program stored in the main ROM 33 when the main control circuit is activated. Further, the main CPU 31 includes an I / O port (input / output port) 35 for transmitting / receiving signals to / from peripheral devices such as various switches and solenoids, and a sub control circuit and a frame control board 60 of the sub control board 40. A command output port 36 for outputting a command to the payout / launch control circuit is connected. From the I / O port 35 and the command output port 36, a control signal transmitted from the main CPU 31 is serially transmitted to the peripheral devices and the boards 40 and 60.

  In addition, the main control board 30 is provided with a passing gate switch 13 s that is provided inside the passing gate 13 described above and detects that the pachinko ball passes through the passing gate 13, and a pachinko ball that has won a prize for the ordinary electric accessory 14. A start winning port switch 14s to be detected is connected. In addition, a count switch 15s for detecting a pachinko ball that has won the grand prize opening 15; a V / count switch 15v for detecting a pachinko ball that has passed through the V zone inside the big prize opening 15; A general winning opening switch 16s to be detected is connected. The main control board 30 has a starting prize opening solenoid 24 that opens and closes the ball receiving opening of the ordinary electric accessory 14 by displacing the blade member, and a big prize opening that opens and closes the door of the big prize opening 15. A solenoid 25 and a seesaw solenoid 21v for guiding the pachinko ball to a place other than the V zone after the pachinko ball has won the V zone inside the special winning opening 15 are connected as actuators. The main control board 30 is connected to a backup clear switch 26 provided on the backup clear switch board. The backup clear switch 26 outputs a backup clear signal for instructing clearing of backup contents of the main RAM 34 constituting the main control circuit of the main control board 30 and the RAM (not shown) constituting the payout / firing control circuit of the frame control board 60. Output. In addition, the main control board 30 includes the above-described normal symbol display device 11, special symbol display device 12, normal symbol start memory number display unit 91, special symbol start memory number display units 92a to 92d, and the like. A device 90 is connected. The symbol display device 90 is controlled to emit light by the main CPU 31 in accordance with the game situation.

  The switches 13 s, 15 s, 16 s, 15 v and the actuators 21 v, 24, 25 are connected to the main control board 30 via the panel relay board 80. When each of the switches 13s to 16s, 15v detects a pachinko ball, the detection signal is input to the main CPU 31 of the main control board 30, and the main CPU 31 selects the actuators 21v, 24, 25 according to the input detection signal. Are driven and controlled.

  The sub-control board 40 is connected with a decorative symbol display device (LCD) 10, a lamp / LED 18, and a speaker 19. The lamp / LED 18 represents an upper frame decoration lamp 6 used when performing a game. The sub-control board 40 performs image display control for displaying an image on the decorative symbol display device 10, electrical decoration control for controlling the light emission of the lamp / LED 18 according to the gaming state, and sound control for emitting a sound effect from the speaker 19. Do.

  A sub CPU 41, a program ROM 42, and a work RAM 43 are mounted on the sub control board 40. A symbol stop switch 72s is connected to the sub CPU 41. The symbol stop switch 72s and the sub CPU 41 have at least two operations among a plurality of operations on the symbol stop button 72. In this embodiment, three types of “long press”, “W click”, and “single press” described later are used. The operation detection means for detecting each of these operations is configured, and when any of these three types of operations is detected, a button detection signal corresponding to the type of the operation is output.

  The sub CPU 41 also interprets commands received from the main control board 30 and gives control commands to the image control circuit 44, lamp control circuit 45, and sound control circuit 46. The program ROM 42 stores and stores a control program for the sub CPU 41 to process and control the operations of the decorative symbol display device 10, the lamp / LED 18, and the speaker 19. The work RAM 43 is used as temporary storage means when the sub CPU 41 performs processing control according to the control program. In the work RAM 43, after an operation of the symbol stop button 72 is detected by each symbol stop timer (see FIG. 13, FIG. 16 to FIG. 18) described later or the symbol stop switch 72s, this operation is not detected. The remaining time timer for measuring the remaining time (see FIG. 15), the changing flag (see FIG. 13) indicating the variation state of the decorative symbol displayed on the decorative symbol display device 10, and the effect displayed on the decorative symbol display device 10 An effect mode flag indicating the type of screen (see FIG. 15), a W click flag indicating whether or not the symbol stop switch 72s has detected a “W click” operation of the symbol stop button 72 (see FIG. 15), and a stop symbol to be described later The stop flag (refer FIGS. 16-18) etc. which show the stop symbol number of the symbol element determined by the number determination means are stored.

  The image control circuit 44 generates image data for displaying a decorative symbol on the decorative symbol display device 10 in accordance with a control command from the sub CPU 41. The lamp control circuit 45 controls the light emission of the lamp / LED 18 according to the gaming state of the pachinko machine 1 according to the drive signal from the sub CPU 41. The sound control circuit 46 controls the speaker 19 according to the gaming state of the pachinko machine 1 by a drive signal from the sub CPU 41.

  The sub CPU 41, the program ROM 42, the work RAM 43, and the image control circuit 44 constitute display control means for causing the decorative symbol display device 10 to display the decorative symbol variably and to stop display. In the present embodiment, the display control means is based on whether the type of operation of the symbol stop button 72 detected by the symbol stop switch 72s is “long press”, “W click”, or “single press” described later. The stop symbol number determining means for determining the number of stop symbols of the decorative symbol is configured, and the symbol element of the stop symbol number determined by the stop symbol number determining means is based on the operation for determining the stop symbol number. Stop display means for stopping display.

  The sub CPU 41, the program ROM 42 and the work RAM 43 constitute detection time measuring means for measuring a detection time from when the operation of the symbol stop button 72 is detected by the symbol stop switch 72s until it is not detected. After the operation of the symbol stop button 72 is detected by the stop switch 72s, it also constitutes a remaining time measuring means for measuring the remaining time from when this operation is no longer detected.

  The stop symbol number determining means is configured such that when the predetermined detection time (in this embodiment, 5 [sec] or more) is measured by the detection time measuring means, that is, the symbol stop button 72 continues for 5 [sec] or more. When pressed by the player, it is determined that the “long press” operation, which is the first operation, has been performed on the symbol stop button 72, and the first stop symbol number is determined. In the present embodiment, the first stop symbol number is “3”, and when the first stop symbol number is determined, all decorative symbols are stopped and displayed simultaneously. In addition, the stop symbol number determining means, when the predetermined detection time is not measured by the detection time measuring means, that is, the continuous pressing operation of the symbol stop button 72 is shorter than the predetermined detection time (in this embodiment, 5 [sec]), a stop symbol number different from the first stop symbol number (in the present embodiment, the second stop symbol number or the third stop symbol number shown below) is determined.

  In other words, the stop symbol number determining means is within the remaining time after the operation of the symbol stop button 72 is performed before the predetermined detection time has elapsed (within 500 [msec] in the present embodiment). When the operation of the symbol stop button 72 is not detected again by the stop switch 72s, that is, when the symbol stop button 72 is pressed once within the remaining time, the second operation is performed on the symbol stop button 72. It is determined that the “single-press” operation has been performed, and the second stop symbol number is determined. In the present embodiment, the second number of stopped symbols is “1”. When the second number of stopped symbols is determined, the position of the second symbol in the leftmost position among the decorative symbols that are variably displayed on the decorative symbol display device 10 is determined. One decorative symbol to be displayed is stopped. Further, the stop symbol number determining means is configured to detect when the operation of the symbol stop button 72 is detected again by the symbol stop switch 72s within the remaining time, that is, when the symbol stop button 72 is pressed twice within the remaining time. It is determined that the third operation “W click” operation has been performed on the symbol stop button 72, and a third stop symbol number different from the second stop symbol number is determined. In the present embodiment, the third stop symbol number is “2”, and when the third stop symbol number is determined, the decorative symbol display device 10 displays the leftmost symbol among the decorative symbols variably displayed. Two of the decorative symbol located and the decorative symbol located on the right side of the decorative symbol are simultaneously stopped and displayed.

  On the frame control board 60, a payout / launch control circuit and a power supply circuit 61 are mounted, and a payout device 63 for paying out a prize ball and the like, and a fire that launches a pachinko ball into the game area 2 formed on the game board. A device 64 is connected. The firing intensity of the launch device 64 is adjusted by operating the launch handle 5. A launch / payout CPU (not shown) constituting the payout / launch control circuit drives and controls the payout device 63 according to a payout command output from the main control board 30 according to various winnings, and pays out a prize ball. The launching device 64 is driven and controlled in accordance with the operation of the launching handle 5 by the player, and the pachinko ball is launched into the game area 2. In addition, the power supply circuit 61 supplies power to circuits and the like configured on the respective substrates 30, 40, 60.

  The frame control board 60 is connected to a card unit 65 for requesting the lending of pachinko balls, and the card lending operation panel 66 is connected to the card unit 65. The card unit 65 communicates with the payout / launch control circuit of the frame control board 60 according to the operation of the ball lending operation panel 66.

  FIG. 3A shows a variation pattern table stored in a main ROM 33 provided on the main control board 30 and used in a special symbol storage check process (see FIG. 8), which will be described later, and FIG. The change effect determination table used in the command analysis control process (refer FIG. 13) mentioned later stored in the program ROM 42 provided in the control board 40 is shown.

  The variation pattern table shown in FIG. 6A includes variation pattern numbers (“h0” to “h7”) indicating the types of variation patterns of special symbols according to the determination result of the jackpot determination process (see FIG. 8, S64). ) And variation times (“T1” to “T8”) corresponding to each variation pattern number are stored in association with each other.

  When it is determined as “losing” in the big hit determination process, a variation pattern number is randomly selected from “h0” to “h3”, and a variation time corresponding to the selected variation pattern number (“T1” to “T4”). ), The special symbol display device 12 displays the variation of the special symbol in a manner corresponding to the selected variation pattern number. In addition, when it is determined as “big hit” in the big hit determination process, a fluctuation pattern number is selected from “h4” to “h7”, and a change time (“T5” to “T5” corresponding to the selected fluctuation pattern number is selected. During T8 ″), the special symbol display device 12 displays the variation of the special symbol in a manner corresponding to the selected variation pattern number. In the present embodiment, the special symbol change times “T1” to “T8” in the special symbol display device 12 are “T1”, “T2”, “T3”, “T4”, “T5”, “T6”. "," T7 "," T8 "are set so that the variation time becomes longer in this order.

  Further, in the variation effect determination table shown in FIG. 6B, the reception variation pattern (“h0” to “h”) received from the main control board 30 for each effect mode of “land effect mode” and “sea effect mode”. h7 ″) and variation effect patterns corresponding to the respective reception variation patterns are stored in association with each other. The “land effect mode” is an effect mode when a value (00) is set in the effect mode flag stored in the work RAM 43, and the “sea effect mode” is an effect mode stored in the work RAM 43. This is an effect mode when the value (01) is set in the flag. The effect display in each effect mode is performed by the decorative symbol display device 10, the lamp / LED 18, the speaker 19, and the like.

  In the “land effect mode”, when the reception variation pattern is “h0”, an effect of either “land effect 1” or “land effect 2” which is a normal variation effect pattern is performed. Further, when the reception variation pattern is “h1”, the normal reach production pattern “Land Production 3” or “Land Production 4” is produced, and when the reception variation pattern is “h2”, the Super Reach A production pattern. When either a certain “Land effect 5” or “Land effect 6” effect is received, and the reception fluctuation pattern is “h3”, either the “Land effect 7” or the “Land effect 8” which is the super reach B effect pattern When the production / reception fluctuation pattern is “h4”, the normal reach production pattern “Land Production 9” or “Land Production 10” is produced, and when the reception variation pattern is “h5”, the Super Reach A production pattern. When a certain “Land effect 11” or “Land effect 12” effect and the reception variation pattern is “h6” When the reception variation pattern is “h7”, “Land Effect 15” or “Land Effect 16”, which is a Super Reach B effect pattern, “Land Effect 13” or “Land Effect 14”. Each of the productions is performed.

  Further, in the “sea effect mode”, when the reception fluctuation pattern is “h0”, either the “sea effect 1” or the “sea effect 2” which is the normal fluctuation effect pattern is performed. When the reception fluctuation pattern is “h1”, the normal reach production pattern “sea production 3” or “sea production 4” is produced, and when the reception fluctuation pattern is “h2”, the super reach A production pattern. When either the “Sea Effect 5” or “Sea Effect 6” effect, or the reception fluctuation pattern is “h3”, either the “Sea Effect 7” or the “Sea Effect 8” which is the Super Reach B effect pattern When the production / reception variation pattern is “h4”, the normal reach production pattern “sea production 9” or “sea production 10” is produced, and when the reception variation pattern is “h5”, the super reach A production pattern. When one of the “sea production 11” or “sea production 12” production and the reception fluctuation pattern is “h6” When the reception variation pattern is “h7”, the premier reach effect pattern “sea effect 15” or “sea effect 16”, which is the super reach B effect pattern “sea effect 13” or “sea effect 14”. Each of the productions is performed.

  Next, the game operation process of the pachinko machine 1 according to the present embodiment will be described.

  FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing an outline of main processing performed in the main control circuit of the main control board 30 of the pachinko machine 1 according to the present embodiment.

  When the power of the pachinko machine 1 is turned on, first, an initial setting process of the operation of the main CPU 31 is performed (see FIG. 4, step (hereinafter referred to as S) 1). In this initial setting process, access permission of the main RAM 34, backup restoration process, work area initialization, and the like are executed. Subsequently, a special symbol control process (S2) and a normal symbol control process (S3) are executed. In the special symbol control process of S2, as will be described later, the special symbol game progress process performed by the special symbol display device 12 is performed according to the value of the control state flag. Further, in the normal symbol control process of S3, the normal symbol game progress process performed by the normal symbol display device 11 is performed according to the value of the control state flag. After the process of S3 is performed, the process returns to S2. Thus, in the main process, after the initial setting process of S1 is completed, the processes of S2 and S3 are repeatedly executed.

  The main CPU 31 executes a system timer interrupt process according to a clock pulse generated every predetermined cycle (for example, 2 [msec]) from the initial reset circuit 32 while executing the main process. To do.

  FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing an outline of the system timer interrupt process performed by the main CPU 31 of the main control board 30.

  In the system timer interrupt process, first, the main CPU 31 executes a random number update process for incrementing each counter value such as a jackpot determination random number counter and a jackpot symbol determination random number counter by “1” (see FIG. 5, S11). . The jackpot determination random number counter is a counter that is referred to by the main CPU 31 when determining whether or not to perform a jackpot game in a jackpot determination process (see S64 in FIG. 8) described later. The jackpot symbol determination random number counter is used to determine the special symbol displayed on the special symbol display device 12 when the variable display is stopped in the special symbol determination process (see FIG. 8, S65) described later. A counter referred to by the CPU 31. Both the big hit determination random number counter and the big hit symbol determination random number counter are stored in the main RAM 34.

  Next, the main CPU 31 performs input signal processing (S12). In this input signal processing, the main CPU 31 detects whether or not a pachinko ball has passed through the passage gate 13 based on the detection signals output from the switches 13s to 16s and 15v described above, and the ordinary electric combination. Processing is performed to determine whether or not a pachinko ball has been won in the goods 14, the grand prize opening 15, the general prize opening 16, or the like. When the main CPU 31 detects that the pachinko ball has won in these processes, the main CPU 31 stores the above-mentioned payout command for paying out the prize ball in a predetermined area of the main RAM 34. This payout command is transmitted to the payout / firing control circuit of the frame control board 60 in the payout process (see S16). Subsequently, the main CPU 31 performs various timers such as a waiting time timer (t) for synchronizing the main control circuit of the main control board 30 and the sub-control circuit of the sub-control board 40, and a grand prize opening time timer. The update process is executed (S13). Next, an output process for outputting a signal for driving and controlling the solenoids 21v, 24, 25 and the like based on various variables is executed (S14).

  After the process of S14 is completed, the main CPU 31 executes a command output process (S15). In this process, the main CPU 31 transmits various commands stored in the main RAM 34 to the sub control circuit of the sub control board 40. These commands include a special symbol command indicating the type of the special symbol displayed on the special symbol display device 12, a variation pattern command indicating the variation display pattern of the special symbol, a variation display stop command for stopping the variation display of the special symbol, and the like. Is included. Next, the main CPU 31 executes a payout process for transmitting a payout command for causing the payout device 63 to pay out a prize ball to the payout / firing control circuit of the frame control board 60 (S16). When this process is finished, this subroutine is finished, the process returns to the address before the occurrence of the interrupt, and the main process is executed.

  Next, the special symbol control process performed by the main CPU 31 in FIGS. 4 and S2 will be described with reference to FIG. In the figure, the numerical values drawn on the sides of S42 to S50 indicate the contents of the control state flags corresponding to those processes, the processing corresponding to the numerical values of the control state flags is executed, and the special symbol game is executed. Will progress.

  In this special symbol control process, first, the main CPU 31 loads and reads a control state flag (see FIG. 6, S41). In S42 to S50, which will be described later, as will be described later, the main CPU 31 determines whether or not to execute various processes based on the value of the control state flag. This control state flag indicates the game state of the special symbol game, and allows one of the processes in S42 to S50 to be executed. In addition, the main CPU 31 executes each process at a predetermined timing determined according to a waiting time timer (t) set for each process. Before reaching the predetermined timing, the process ends without executing each process, and another subroutine is executed. Of course, the system timer interrupt process is also executed at a predetermined cycle.

  In S42, a special symbol memory check process is executed. Although details will be described later with reference to FIG. 8, in this process, the main CPU 31 holds the pachinko ball that won the ordinary electric accessory 14 when the control state flag is a value (00) indicating the special symbol memory check. The number is checked, and when there is a reserve number, the big hit determination, the special symbol to be stopped and displayed, and the variation pattern of the special symbol are determined. Then, the main CPU 31 sets a value (01) indicating special symbol variation time management in the control state flag, and sets a variation time corresponding to the variation pattern determined in the current process in the waiting time timer (t). Then, when the variation time set in the waiting time timer (t) has elapsed, the process proceeds to S43.

  In S43, a special symbol variation time management process is executed. Although details will be described later with reference to FIG. 9, in this process, the main CPU 31 has a value (01) indicating that the control state flag indicates special symbol variation time management, and when the variation time has elapsed, special symbol display time management. Is set in the control state flag, and the waiting time after the change is confirmed (for example, 1 second) is set in the waiting time timer (t). Then, when the waiting time after the fluctuation is set set in the waiting time timer (t), the process proceeds to S44.

  In S44, a special symbol display time management process is executed. Although details will be described later with reference to FIG. 10, 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 waiting time after the change is determined. To do. 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 (t). . Then, when the time corresponding to the big hit start interval set in the waiting time timer (t) has elapsed, the process proceeds to S45. On the other hand, if it is not a big hit, the main CPU 31 sets a value (08) indicating the end of the special symbol game and moves the process to S50.

  In S45, a big hit start interval management process is executed. In this process, the main CPU 31 has a value (03) indicating that the control status flag indicates the jackpot start interval management, and when the time corresponding to the jackpot start interval has elapsed, Based on the data read from the ROM 33, the variables positioned in the main RAM 34 are updated. Then, the main CPU 31 sets the value (04) indicating that the big prize opening is open to the control state flag and sets the execution of the processing of S47, and sets the opening upper limit time (for example, 30 seconds) to the big prize opening. Set to the time timer, and set the initial value “1” to the winning prize opening number counter. Then, the main CPU 31 sets data indicating the number of rounds and a special winning opening opening command indicating that the special winning opening 15 is open in a predetermined area of the main RAM 34. Thus, the special winning opening open command is transmitted from the main CPU 31 of the main control board 30 to the sub CPU 41 of the sub control board 40. As a result, the number of rounds and the state of the big prize opening 15 are also recognized in the sub control circuit of the sub control board 40. If this process ends, the process moves to S47.

  In S46, a waiting time management process before reopening the big winning opening is executed. In this process, the main CPU 31 sets the special prize opening number counter to “0” when the control state flag is a value (06) indicating the big prize opening reopening waiting time management and the time corresponding to the interval between rounds has elapsed. Update the memory so that it increases by 1 ″. Then, the main CPU 31 sets the value (04) indicating that the big prize opening is open to the control state flag and sets the execution of the processing of S47, and sets the opening upper limit time (for example, 30 seconds) to the big prize opening. Set to time timer. If this process ends, the process moves to S47.

  In S47, a special winning opening opening process is executed. In this process, when the control state flag is a value (04) indicating that the big winning opening is open, the main winning prize winning counter for counting the number of pachinko balls won in the big winning opening 15 is “10”. It is determined whether or not either of the conditions “over” or the condition that the upper limit opening time of the special winning opening 15 has passed (the special winning opening release time timer is “0”) is satisfied. The main CPU 31 updates a variable positioned in the main RAM 34 in order to close the special winning opening 15 when any of the conditions is satisfied. Then, the main CPU 31 sets a value (05) indicating monitoring of the winning ball in the winning mouth in the control state flag, and sets a monitoring time (for example, 1 second) in the winning ball in the waiting time timer (t). That is, it is set so that the processing of S48 is executed after the winning ball residual ball monitoring time has elapsed. Note that the main CPU 31 does not execute the above-described process when none of the above conditions is satisfied. When the process of S47 is completed, the process proceeds to S48.

  In S48, a special winning opening residual ball monitoring process is executed. In this process, the main CPU 31 determines that the control state flag is a value (05) indicating monitoring of the winning ball residual ball and the specific area (V zone) in the winning winning port 15 when the winning ball residual ball monitoring time has elapsed. ) Or the condition that the pachinko ball has not passed, or the condition that the grand prize opening number counter is equal to or greater than the maximum value of the grand prize opening number (the last round) is determined. . 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. That is, after the time corresponding to the big hit end interval elapses, the process of S49 is set to be executed. 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, and sets the time corresponding to the interval between rounds to the waiting time timer. set. In this case, after the time corresponding to the interval between rounds has elapsed, the process of S46 is set to be executed.

  In S49, a jackpot end interval process is executed. In this process, the main CPU 31 sets the control state flag to a value (08) indicating the jackpot end interval, and when the time corresponding to the jackpot end interval has elapsed, the main CPU 31 sets the value (08) indicating the end of the special symbol game to the control state. The flag is set to execute the process of S50. Then, when the big hit symbol is a probable variation symbol, the main CPU 31 performs control to shift the gaming state to the probability variation state. If this process ends, the process moves to S50.

  In S50, 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 sets the value (holding number) of the ordinary electric winning prize counter displayed on the special symbol start memory number display unit 12. The memory is updated so that “1” is decreased. Further, the main CPU 31 sets data indicating a start memory number designation command to the effect that the reserved number decreases by “1” in a predetermined storage area of the main RAM 34. The set start memory number designation command is transmitted from the main CPU 31 of the main control board 30 to the sub CPU 41 of the sub control board 40. As a result, the sub control circuit of the sub control board 40 also recognizes that the reserved number has decreased by “1”. Then, the main CPU 31 updates the special symbol storage area in order to perform the next fluctuation display, sets a value (00) indicating the special symbol storage check to the control state flag, and executes the process of S42. Set to. When this process is finished, this subroutine is finished.

  As described above, the special symbol game is executed on the special symbol display device 12 by setting the control state flag. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 7, the main CPU 31 sets the control status flag to “00”, “01”, “02”, “08” when the result of the big hit determination is lost and the big hit gaming state is not achieved. By setting in order, the processing of S42, S43, S44, and S50 shown in FIG. 6 is executed at a predetermined timing. Further, when the result of the big hit determination is the big hit and the big hit gaming state, the main CPU 31 sets the control state flags in order of “00”, “01”, “02”, “03”, and the result is shown in FIG. The processing of S42, S43, S44, and S45 is executed at a predetermined timing, and control to the big hit gaming state is executed. Furthermore, when the control to the big hit gaming state is executed, the main CPU 31 sets the control state flag in order of “04”, “05”, “06”, thereby performing S47 and S48 shown in FIG. The process of S46 is executed at a predetermined timing, and a big hit game is executed. When the big hit game is being executed and the end condition for the big hit game state is satisfied, the control state flag is set in the order of “04”, “05”, “07”, “08”. The processing from S47 to S50 shown in FIG. 6 is executed at a predetermined timing, and the big hit gaming state is terminated. The condition for ending the jackpot gaming state is that the pachinko ball has not passed through a specific area of the big prize opening 15 until a predetermined time has elapsed (so-called “punk”), or the maximum number of continuation of the jackpot round (The upper limit number of rounds, for example, 15 rounds in the present embodiment) has ended.

  FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing details of the special symbol storage check process performed in S42 of the special symbol control process described above.

  In the special symbol memory check process, first, the main CPU 31 determines whether or not the control state flag is a value (00) indicating the special symbol memory check (see S61 in FIG. 8). If this determination is “No”, the special symbol memory check process ends. On the other hand, if the determination in S61 is “Yes”, then the main CPU 31 reads the value of the ordinary electric winning prize counter in the main RAM 34 and the number of pachinko balls held in the ordinary electric accessory 14 is “0”. It is determined whether or not (S62). If this determination is “Yes”, the special symbol memory check process ends. On the other hand, if the determination in S62 is “No”, the main CPU 31 sets a value (01) indicating special symbol variation time management in the control state flag (S63), and then performs a big hit determination process (S64). . In the big hit determination process, a big hit lottery for determining whether or not to execute a big hit game by reading the value of the big hit determination random number counter is performed, and it is determined whether or not the lottery is won.

  Subsequently, the main CPU 31 performs a special symbol determination process (S65). In the special symbol determination process, the main CPU 31 reads the value of the jackpot symbol determination random number counter and determines a special symbol to be stopped and displayed in the symbol determination stop display process (see S74 of FIG. 9) based on the result of the jackpot lottery. Subsequently, the main CPU 31 performs a variation pattern determination process (S66). In the variation pattern determination process, referring to the variation pattern table (see FIG. 3A), based on the result of the big hit lottery, the variation pattern number (“h0” to “h7”) and variation time (“ T1 "to" T8 ") are determined. Subsequently, the variation time determined by the variation pattern determination process is set in the waiting time timer (t) (S67). When the process of S67 is completed, the main CPU 31 clears the storage area of the main RAM 34 used for determining the current variation pattern (S68), and ends the special symbol storage check process.

  FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing details of the special symbol variation time management process performed in S43 of the special symbol control process described above.

  In this special symbol variation time management process, first, the main CPU 31 determines whether or not the control state flag is a value (01) indicating special symbol variation time management (see S71 in FIG. 9). If this determination is “No”, the special symbol variation time management process is terminated as it is. On the other hand, when the determination in S71 is “Yes”, the main CPU 31 performs a symbol variation display process (S72). In this symbol variation display process, the variation display of the special symbol displayed on the special symbol display device 12 is performed in accordance with the value of the waiting time timer (t) in which the variation time is set in the processing of FIG.

  Subsequently, the main CPU 31 determines whether or not the value of the waiting time timer (t) set in FIG. 8, S 67 has become “0”, that is, after the special symbol fluctuation display is started, It is determined whether or not the variation time determined in FIG. 8, S66) has elapsed (S73). When the value of the waiting time timer (t) is not “0” and this determination is “No”, the special symbol variation time management process is ended. On the other hand, when the value of the waiting time timer (t) is “0” and the determination in S73 is “Yes”, the main CPU 31 performs a symbol fixed stop display process, and is variably displayed on the special symbol display device 12. The special symbol is stopped and displayed in the manner determined by the special symbol determination process (see S65 in FIG. 8) (S74). Subsequently, the main CPU 31 sets a value (02) indicating special symbol display time management in the control state flag (S75). Subsequently, the waiting time after the change is determined is set in the waiting time timer (t) (S76), and the special symbol changing time management process is ended.

  FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing details of the special symbol display time management process performed in S44 of the special symbol control process described above.

  In this special symbol display time management process, first, the main CPU 31 determines whether or not the control state flag is a value (02) indicating special symbol display time management (see S91 in FIG. 10). If this determination is “No”, the special symbol display time management process is terminated as it is. On the other hand, when the determination in S91 is “Yes”, the main CPU 31 determines whether or not the value of the waiting time timer (t) set in S76 of FIG. 9 is “0” (S92). If this determination is “No”, the special symbol display time management process is terminated as it is. On the other hand, if the determination in S92 is “Yes”, the main CPU 31 determines whether or not it has been determined that the big hit lottery has been won in the big hit determination process (FIG. 8, S64) (S93). When this determination is “Yes”, the main CPU 31 sets the value (03) indicating the big hit start interval management in the control state flag (S94), and then sets the time corresponding to the big hit start interval to the waiting time timer ( t) (S95). On the other hand, if the determination in S93 is “No”, the main CPU 31 sets a value (08) indicating the end of the special symbol game in the control state flag (S96). When the process of S95 or S96 is performed, the special symbol display time management process ends.

  FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing an outline of a main process performed by the sub control circuit of the sub control board 40 of the pachinko machine 1 according to the present embodiment.

  When the power of the pachinko machine 1 is turned on, first, an initialization process of the operation of the sub CPU 41 is performed (see S101 in FIG. 11). In this initialization processing, processing such as access permission of the work RAM 43, backup restoration processing, work area initialization, and the like are executed. Subsequently, the sub CPU 41 performs a random number update process (S102). In this random number update process, a random number or the like used for determining a decorative display effect display pattern in a command analysis control process described later (see FIG. 13, S124) is updated. Subsequently, a command analysis control process described later is performed (S103), and a display control process described later is performed (S104). Subsequently, the sub CPU 41 performs sound control processing (S105) and lamp control processing (S106). In the sound control process and the lamp control process, the lamp control circuit 45 and the sound control circuit 46 are driven based on the effect data stored in the work RAM 43 to control the light emission of the lamp / LED 18 and the sound output from the speaker 19. After the process of S106 is performed, the process returns to S102. As described above, also in the main process performed in the sub control circuit, the process in S102 to S106 is repeatedly executed after the initialization process in S101 is completed, similarly to the main process performed in the main control circuit shown in FIG. .

  FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing an outline of a command reception interrupt process periodically performed by the sub control circuit of the sub control board 40 while the main process shown in FIG. 11 is being executed.

  In the command reception interrupt process, first, the sub CPU 41 temporarily saves the data stored in the register in the work area of the work RAM 43 (see S111 in FIG. 12). Subsequently, when the sub CPU 41 receives various commands such as a special symbol command and a variation pattern command from the main control board 30, the sub CPU 41 stores the received command in the reception buffer area of the work RAM 43 (S112). Subsequently, the sub CPU 41 returns the data saved in the work area of the work RAM 43 in S111 to the register (S113), and ends the command reception interrupt process.

  FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing details of the command analysis control process shown in FIG.

  In the command analysis control process, first, the sub CPU 41 refers to the reception buffer area of the work RAM 43 to determine whether or not a symbol command has been received from the main control board 30 (see S121 in FIG. 13). If this determination is “Yes”, then a decorative symbol determination process is performed (S122). In the decorative symbol determination process, the sub CPU 41 determines a decorative symbol to be stopped and displayed on the decorative symbol display device 10. If the determination in S121 is “No”, or when the processing in S122 is completed, the sub CPU 41 refers to the reception buffer area of the work RAM 43 and determines whether or not a variation pattern command has been received from the main control board 30. Is determined (S123). When this determination is “Yes”, the sub CPU 41 refers to the change effect determination table (see FIG. 3B) based on the current effect mode and the received change pattern command, and changes the change effect pattern (land effect). 1 to 16 and the sea effects 1 to 16) are determined (S124). Subsequently, the determined effect display pattern is set in the work area of the work RAM 43 (S125), and each symbol stop timer corresponding to the determined effect display pattern is set in the work area of the work RAM 43 (S126). Set the initial value to the timer. Thereafter, the sub CPU 41 sets a value (01) indicating that the decorative symbol is being displayed in a changing manner to the changing flag (S127), and ends the command analysis control process.

  Each of the symbol stop timers described above is a timer used in a display control process (FIGS. 16 to 18), which will be described later, and represents the variation time of the decorative symbol (first symbol) displayed on the leftmost side of the decorative symbol display device 10. The first symbol stop timer to be measured, the second symbol stop timer to measure the variation time of the decorative symbol (second symbol) displayed in the center of the decorative symbol display device 10, and the rightmost symbol of the decorative symbol display device 10 are displayed. It is composed of a third symbol stop timer that measures the variation time of the decorative symbol (third symbol). In the present embodiment, the first symbol stop timer, the second symbol stop timer, and the third symbol stop timer have, for example, 6 [sec], 7 [sec], and, for example, according to the variation time corresponding to each variation pattern. 10 [sec] is set as an initial value. Therefore, in this embodiment, when the stop operation by the symbol stop button 72 is not performed, the decorative symbols that are variably displayed on the left side, the center, and the right side of the decorative symbol display device 10 are respectively displayed from the start of the variable display. It automatically stops when 6 [sec], 7 [sec] and 10 [sec] have elapsed.

  If the determination in S123 is “No”, the sub CPU 41 refers to the reception buffer area of the work RAM 43 to determine whether or not a symbol determination command has been received from the main control board 30 (S128). . The symbol confirmation command is a command for notifying that the variation time has elapsed from the start of the variation display of the special symbol variably displayed on the special symbol display device 12, and that the waiting time after the determination has further elapsed, This is transmitted from the main control board 30 to synchronize processing with the sub CPU 41. When the symbol confirmation command is received, the decorative symbol variation display on the decorative symbol display device 10 is finished. Therefore, if the determination in S128 is “Yes”, the sub CPU 41 clears the effect display pattern set in the work RAM 43 in S125 to prepare for the next variation display of the decoration symbol (S129). Is set to the changing flag (S130) indicating that the change display is not being displayed (S130), and the command analysis control process is terminated.

  On the other hand, when the determination in S128 is “No” and a command other than the symbol command, the variation pattern command, and the symbol confirmation command is received from the main control board 30, the sub CPU 41 performs processing corresponding to the received command. This is executed (S131), and the command analysis control process is terminated.

  FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing an outline of a timer interrupt process periodically performed by the sub control circuit of the sub control board 40 while the main process shown in FIG. 11 is being executed by the sub CPU 41.

  In this timer interrupt process, first, the sub CPU 41 temporarily saves the data stored in the register in the work area of the work RAM 43 (see S141 in FIG. 14). Subsequently, the sub CPU 41 executes update processing of various timers set in the work RAM 43 of the sub control board 40 (S142). Subsequently, an operation button input process described later is performed (S143), the data saved in the work area of the work RAM 43 in S141 is returned to the register (S144), and the timer interrupt process is terminated.

  FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing details of the operation button input process shown in FIG. 14 and S143.

  In the operation button input process, first, the sub CPU 41 determines whether or not the button detection signal is “ON”, that is, whether or not the symbol stop switch 72s detects the operation of the symbol stop button 72 (FIG. 15, see S151). If this determination is “Yes”, then the sub CPU 41 determines whether or not the value (01) is set in the changing flag in S127 of the command analysis control process (see FIG. 13) described above, that is, the decorative symbol. It is determined whether or not the decorative symbols are displayed on the display device 10 (S152). If the decorative symbol is not being displayed in a variable manner and the determination in S152 is “No”, then the sub CPU 41 refers to the work RAM 43 to determine whether or not the value (01) is set in the effect mode flag. (S166). If this determination is “Yes”, the value (00) is set in the effect mode flag (S167), and if the determination in S166 is “No”, the value (01) is set in the effect mode flag. In step S168, the operation button input process is terminated. In the present embodiment, when the value (00) is set in the effect mode flag, an effect screen composed of land scenes is displayed on the decorative symbol display device 10, and the value (01) is set in the effect mode flag. The effect screen composed of the sea scene is displayed on the decorative symbol display device 10.

  On the other hand, when the decorative symbol is variably displayed on the decorative symbol display device 10 and the determination in S152 is “Yes”, the sub CPU 41 determines whether or not the value of the W click flag is (01). (S153). If this determination is “No”, then the sub CPU 41 performs detection time measurement processing (S154). In this detection time measurement process, the elapsed time since the button detection signal is detected in S151, that is, the time during which the symbol stop button 72 is continuously pressed is measured. Subsequently, the sub CPU 41 determines whether or not the button detection signal is “OFF”, that is, whether or not the symbol stop switch 72 s does not detect the operation of the symbol stop button 72 (S 155). If this determination is “No”, the operation button input process is terminated. On the other hand, when this determination is “Yes”, the sub CPU 41 determines whether or not the time measured in the detection time measurement process of S154 is equal to or longer than the first time (5 [sec]), that is, “long press”. It is determined whether or not the time for determining that the operation has been performed has passed (S156). If the “long press” operation time has elapsed and the determination in S156 is “Yes”, the sub CPU 41 sets a value (01) in the stop flag (S157), and ends the operation button input process. If the determination in S156 is “No”, the sub CPU 41 sets a value (01) in the W click flag (S158). Subsequently, 500 [msec] is set in the remaining time timer (S159), and the operation button input process is terminated.

  When the button detection signal is “OFF” and the determination in S151 is “No”, that is, when the operation button input process is started at the timing when the symbol stop button 72 is not pressed, the sub CPU 41 Then, it is determined whether or not the value of the W click flag is (01) (S161). If this determination is “No”, the operation button input process is terminated. On the other hand, when this determination is “Yes”, it is detected that the button detection signal of the symbol stop button 72 is “OFF” within the long press time, and then the “OFF” state of the button detection signal is changed. Since it continues, in order to confirm whether this operation corresponds to "single press", the sub CPU 41 performs a remaining time measurement process (S162). In this remaining time measuring process, the value of the remaining time timer set in S159 is subtracted and counted down. Subsequently, it is determined whether or not the remaining time timer value subtracted in S162 is 0 [sec] (S163). When this determination is “No”, it is not possible to confirm that the “single press” operation has been performed, and thus the operation button input process ends. On the other hand, if the value of the remaining time timer is 0 [sec] and the determination in S163 is “Yes”, the sub CPU 41 determines that the “single-press” operation has been performed, and sets the stop flag. A value (02) is set (S164). Then, a value (00) is set in the W click flag to clear the W click flag (S165), and the operation button input process is terminated.

  If the determination in S153 is “Yes”, it is determined whether the value of the remaining time timer is 0 [sec] (S169). When this determination is “No”, it is detected that the button detection signal of the symbol stop button 72 is “OFF” within the long press time, and then the button detection signal is “ON” within the remaining time. Therefore, it is found that the symbol stop button 72 is pressed twice within 500 [msec] and the “W click” operation is performed. Accordingly, the sub CPU 41 sets a value (03) to the stop flag (S170), indicating that the “W click” operation has been performed, and ends the operation button input process.

  16 to 18 are flowcharts showing details of the display control process shown in S104 of FIG.

  In the display control process, first, the sub CPU 41 determines whether or not an effect display pattern is set in S125 of the command analysis control process shown in FIG. 13 (see S171 in FIG. 16). If this determination is “No”, the display control process is terminated. On the other hand, when the determination in S171 is “Yes”, the sub CPU 41 determines whether or not the value set in the stop flag is (01) (S172). When the “long press” operation is performed and the value (01) is set in the stop flag in the process of FIG. 15, S157, and the determination in S172 is “Yes”, the value (00) is set in the stop flag. Is set (S173), and each symbol stop timer of the first symbol stop timer, the second symbol stop timer, and the third symbol stop timer is set again to 0 [sec] and reset (S174). When the determination in S172 is “No” or when the processing in S174 ends, the sub CPU 41 subsequently determines whether or not the value of the first symbol stop timer is 0 [sec] (S175). ).

  When the determination in S175 is “Yes”, since the predetermined fluctuation time (6 [sec]) has elapsed, stop control of the first symbol, that is, the leftmost decorative symbol in the decorative symbol display device 10 is performed (S176). When the determination in S175 is “No”, it is determined whether or not the value set in the stop flag is (02) (S177). When the “single push” operation is performed and the value (02) is set in the stop flag in the process of FIG. 15, S164, and this determination is “Yes”, the value (00) is set in the stop flag. The stop flag is reset (S178), and the first symbol stop timer is set to 0 [sec] (S179). On the other hand, if the determination in S177 is “No”, the sub CPU 41 determines whether or not the value set in the stop flag is (03) (S180). When the “W click” operation is performed and the value (03) is set in the stop flag in the processing of FIG. 15, S170, and this determination is “Yes”, the value (00) is set in the stop flag. The stop flag is reset (S181), and 0 [sec] is set in both the first symbol stop timer and the second symbol stop timer (S182). When the process of S179 or the process of S182 is completed, the sub CPU 41 performs stop control of the first symbol (S176).

  In the stop control in S176, the decorative symbols determined in FIG. 13 and S122 are not finally stopped in a stopped state, and each decorative symbol is temporarily stopped. When each decorative symbol is in a temporarily stopped state, each decorative symbol is completely adjusted to adjust the variation time of the special symbol on the special symbol display device 12 until the special symbol on the special symbol display device 12 stops. Is not displayed in a stopped state, but is in a display state that can be changed again after the stop display, for example, a swinging fluctuation state that swings around a symbol that is stopped and displayed. Such a temporary stop of the decorative symbol is also performed in the second symbol stop control (FIG. 17, S185) and the third symbol stop control (FIG. 18, S194) described later.

  Further, when the determination in S180 is “No”, the sub CPU 41 continues the first symbol variation display in a manner corresponding to the effect display pattern (see FIG. 13, S124) determined in the command analysis control process. Symbol variation display control is performed (S183).

  When the process of S176 or S183 is completed, the sub CPU 41 then determines whether or not the value of the second symbol stop timer is 0 [sec] (see S184 of FIG. 17). If this determination is “Yes”, since the predetermined fluctuation time (7 [sec]) has elapsed, stop control of the second symbol, that is, the central ornament symbol in the ornament symbol display device 10 is performed (S185). When the determination in S184 is “No”, it is subsequently determined whether or not the value set in the stop flag is (02) (S186). When this determination is “Yes”, a value (00) is set in the stop flag to reset the stop flag (S187), and 0 [sec] is set in the second symbol stop timer (S188). On the other hand, when the determination in S186 is “No”, the sub CPU 41 determines whether or not the value set in the stop flag is (03) (S189). When this determination is “Yes”, the stop flag is set to a value (00) and the stop flag is reset (S190), and both the second symbol stop timer and the third symbol stop timer are set to 0 [sec]. Is set (S191). When the process of S188 or the process of S191 ends, the sub CPU 41 performs the second symbol stop control (S185).

  If the determination in S189 is “No”, the sub CPU 41 continues the second symbol variation display in a manner corresponding to the effect display pattern (see FIG. 13, S124) determined in the command analysis control process. Symbol variation display control is performed (S192).

  When the processing of S185 or S192 ends, the sub CPU 41 then determines whether or not the value of the third symbol stop timer is 0 [sec] (see S193 in FIG. 18). If this determination is “Yes”, since the predetermined fluctuation time (10 [sec]) has elapsed, stop control of the third symbol, that is, the rightmost decorative symbol in the decorative symbol display device 10 is performed (S194). If the determination in S193 is “No”, it is subsequently determined whether or not the value set in the stop flag is (02) (S195). If this determination is “No”, it is then determined whether or not the value set in the stop flag is (03) (S196). If the determination in S195 is “Yes”, or if the determination in S196 is “Yes”, the stop flag is set to a value (00) and the stop flag is reset (S197), and the third symbol is stopped. The timer is set to 0 [sec] (S198). Then, when the processing of S198 is completed, the sub CPU 41 performs stop control of the third symbol (S194). Subsequently, the sub CPU 41 determines whether or not the variation time of the special symbol in the special symbol display device 12 is “0”, that is, whether or not the symbol determination command is received from the main control board 30 (see S128 in FIG. 13). Is determined (S200). If this determination is “No”, the display control process ends. On the other hand, if the determination in S200 is “Yes”, the sub CPU 41 performs a symbol fixed stop display process in which each decorative symbol that was temporarily stopped in S176, S185, and S194 is set in a fixed stop state (S201).

  If the determination in S196 is “No”, the sub CPU 41 continues the variable display of the third symbol in a manner corresponding to the effect display pattern determined in the command analysis control process (see FIG. 13, S124). Symbol variation display control is performed (S199).

  As described above, in the display control process, the value of the stop flag determined according to the type of operation (“long press”, “single press” or “W click”) on the symbol stop button 72 (FIG. 15, S157, Based on S164 and S170), the decorative symbol change display control and the stop display control of the decorative symbol displayed on the decorative symbol display device 10 are performed.

  For example, when a decorative symbol is variably displayed on the decorative symbol display device 10, first, the “W click” operation is performed on the symbol stop button 72, and then the “single press” operation is performed. In this case, each decorative symbol is stopped and displayed in the following manner.

  First, when a “W click” operation is performed on the symbol stop button 72, a value (03) is set to the stop flag (see S170 in FIG. 15). If 6 [sec] has not elapsed since the start of fluctuation, each symbol stop timer is not set to 0 [sec], so the processing is performed in the order of S171, S172, S175, S177, S180 and S181 in FIG. Then, 0 [sec] is set in the first symbol stop timer and the second symbol stop timer (see S182 in FIG. 16). Then, in S176, first, stop control of the first symbol located on the leftmost side among the symbol elements being displayed in a variable manner is performed (see S176). Subsequently, the determination in S184 of FIG. 17 is “Yes”, and stop control of the central second symbol located on the right side of the first symbol is performed (see FIG. 17, S185). That is, two decorative symbols (the first symbol and the second symbol) that are the third stop symbol number corresponding to the “W click” operation are stopped and displayed. At this time, the value of the stop flag is reset to (00) (see S181 in FIG. 16). Thereafter, processing is performed in the order of S193, S195, S196, and S199 in FIG. 18, and the variable display is continued for the third symbol.

  Next, when the “single press” operation is performed on the symbol stop button 72, a value (02) is set in the stop flag (see S164 in FIG. 15). At this time, if 7 [sec] has elapsed since the start of the decorative symbol variation but before 10 [sec] has elapsed, 0 [sec] is set in the first symbol stop timer and the second symbol stop timer. However, since the third symbol stop timer has not yet reached 0 [sec], processing is performed in the order of S171, S172, S175, S176 in FIG. 16, S184, S185 in FIG. 17, S193, S195 and S197 in FIG. Is performed, 0 [sec] is set in the third symbol stop timer (see FIG. 18, S198). Then, stop control is performed on the third symbol that is the only variable display that is located on the leftmost side among the symbol elements that are displayed in a variable manner (see FIG. 18, S194). That is, one decorative symbol (third symbol), which is the second number of symbols to stop corresponding to the “single press” operation, is stopped and displayed.

  In addition, each decorative symbol is stopped and displayed with the number of stopped symbols based on the operation on the symbol stop button 72 as described above, but if the symbol stop button 72 is not operated, the decorative symbol is stopped according to the symbol stop timer. Will be displayed. In other words, the first symbol is automatically stopped when 6 [sec] has elapsed from the start of variation, and the second symbol and the third symbol have been 7 [sec] and 10 [sec] from the beginning of variation, respectively. When stopped automatically appears.

  According to the pachinko machine 1 according to the present embodiment, as described above, when the decorative symbols are displayed in a variable manner, the “long press”, “W click”, “single press” on the symbol stop button 72 is performed. The operation stop type is detected by the symbol stop switch 72s and the sub CPU 41. Then, based on the type of detected operation, the number of decorative symbols to be stopped and displayed by the operation is determined, and the decorative symbols having the determined number of stopped symbols are stopped and displayed on the decorative symbol display device 10. For this reason, it is possible to determine the number of symbols to be stopped and to stop the decorative symbols having the determined number of symbols to be stopped only by operating the one symbol stop button 72. Therefore, in the conventional pachinko machine, the trouble of performing a plurality of stop operations on a plurality of buttons for each decorative symbol is eliminated, and the operability of the symbol stop button 72 is improved, and the pachinko game is enhanced. be able to. Further, since only one symbol stop button 72 is required, the arrangement space of the symbol stop button 72 in the pachinko machine 1 can be reduced, and the manufacturing cost of the pachinko machine 1 can be reduced.

  Further, in the present embodiment, when the long pressing time of 5 [sec] is measured by the detection time measuring means, the “long pressing” operation which is the first operation on the symbol stop button 72 is detected, and the first “3” is determined as the number of symbols to be stopped. At this time, all the three decorative symbols are simultaneously stopped and displayed on the decorative symbol display device 10. Further, when 5 [sec] is not measured by the detection time measuring means, the decorative symbols having the number of stopped symbols different from the first number of stopped symbols are stopped and displayed on the decorative symbol display device 10. Therefore, the number of decorative symbols to be stopped can be made different depending on whether or not the operation on the symbol stop button 72 is performed for 5 [sec] or more, and the operability of the symbol stop button 72 is improved.

  In the present embodiment, if the operation of the symbol stop button 72 is not detected again within 500 [msec], which is the remaining time after the operation of the symbol stop button 72 is once detected by the symbol stop switch 72s, the second The operation of “single press” is detected, and “1” is determined as the second stop symbol number. At this time, one decorative symbol located at the leftmost among the decorative symbols being displayed in a variable manner is stopped and displayed on the decorative symbol display device 10. When the operation of the symbol stop button 72 is detected again within 500 [msec] after the operation of the symbol stop button 72 is once detected by the symbol stop switch 72s, the third operation “W click” is performed. The operation is detected, and “2” is determined as the third stop symbol number. At this time, two decorative symbols are displayed on the decorative symbol display device 10 in combination with the decorative symbol located on the leftmost side among the decorative symbols being displayed in a variable manner and the central decorative symbol located on the right side of the decorative symbol. Is done. For this reason, the number of stop symbols of the decorative symbol can be varied depending on whether or not the symbol stop button 72 is operated again within the remaining time of 500 [msec], and the operability of the symbol stop button 72 is improved.

  In this embodiment, when the symbol stop button 72 is operated, if the sub CPU 41 determines that the decorative symbol is variably displayed on the decorative symbol display device 10, the decorative symbol is stopped as described above. The number is determined, and the decorative symbols having the determined number of stopped symbols are stopped and displayed on the decorative symbol display device 10. When the symbol stop button 72 is operated, if the sub CPU 41 determines that the decorative symbol is not variably displayed on the decorative symbol display device 10 by the processing of FIGS. 15 and S152, FIG. 15, S166 to S168. By the process, the effect screen displayed on the decorative symbol display device 10 is switched between the effect screen composed of the land scene and the effect screen composed of the sea scene. Therefore, the symbol stop button 72 functions as a stop symbol number change button and a stop button, and also functions as an image switching button. For this reason, with only one symbol stop button 72, it is possible to change the number of stop symbols for decorative symbols, stop display of decorative symbols, and switch between effect screens, and the arrangement space for operating means in the pachinko machine 1 is further narrowed. At the same time, the manufacturing cost of the pachinko machine 1 can be further reduced.

  In the above embodiment, the case where the number of decorative symbols to be stopped is determined by the sub control circuit has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the operation button input process (see FIG. 15) in the above-described embodiment is performed by the input signal process (see FIG. 5 and S12) performed by the main CPU 31 of the main control board 30 to thereby reduce the number of decorative symbols to be stopped. It can also be determined by the control circuit. In this configuration, the display control process (see FIGS. 16 to 18) in the above embodiment is performed together with the special symbol variation display in the symbol variation process (see FIG. 9, S72) in the special symbol variation time management process, and each symbol is stopped. The initial value is set to the timer (see FIG. 13, S126) together with the special symbol change time set (see FIG. 8, S67) in the special symbol storage check process, and the control state flag is set instead of the changing flag. By using it, the same effect as the above-mentioned embodiment is produced.

  In the above-described embodiment, the case where the gaming machine according to the present invention is applied to a pachinko machine has been described. However, the present invention is applied to other gaming machines in which a plurality of symbol elements displayed on the display means are variably displayed and stopped. It is also possible to apply. Even when the present invention is applied to such a gaming machine, the same effects as the above-described embodiment can be obtained.

  For example, the present invention can be applied to a pachislot machine.

  FIG. 19 is a front view showing an appearance of a pachislot machine 200 to which the present invention is applied. At the center of the main body of the pachi-slot machine 200, three reels 201, 202, 203 having a plurality of symbol elements drawn on the outer peripheral surface are rotatably provided. Three symbol elements drawn on each reel 201, 202, 203 are observed through display windows 204, 205, 206 on the front surface of the pachislot machine 200. The display windows 204 to 206 are provided with a total of five pay lines L1, L2A, L2B, L3A, and L3B. In addition, a liquid crystal display device 210 is provided below the display windows 204 to 206, and a medal slot 211 into which a medal as a game value is inserted is provided on the right side of the liquid crystal display device 210. . A fluctuation start lever 213 and a symbol stop button 214 are provided below the liquid crystal display device 210. When the fluctuation start lever 213 is operated by the player, the rotation of the reels 201 to 203 starts all at once. In addition, the symbol stop button 214 constitutes an operating means that allows a player to perform a plurality of operations. When the rotation of each of the reels 201 to 203 reaches a constant speed, the operation is validated and the symbol of the player is made. The rotation of the number of reels corresponding to the type of operation on the stop button 214 is stopped. In addition, a medal tray 216 that stores medals paid out from the medal payout opening 215 is provided at the lower front portion of the pachislot machine 200.

  Prior to the start of the game, when the player inserts one medal from the medal insertion slot 8, the central one winning line L1 is activated. In addition, when two cards are inserted, two upper and lower horizontal winning lines L2A and L2B are added to the three horizontal winning lines L1, L2A and L2B. In addition, when three cards are inserted, two diagonal winning lines L3A and L3B are added thereto, and all five winning lines L1, L2A, L2B, L3A and L3B are activated. Thereafter, when a medal is inserted and the change start lever 213 is operated, the reels 201 to 203 rotate at the same time, and each symbol element is variably displayed. At this time, if an operation such as “long press”, “single press”, “W click” or the like is performed on the symbol stop button 214, the stop control of the number of reels based on the types of these operations is performed as in the above embodiment. Is done.

  As described above, even when the present invention is applied to the pachislot machine 200, the same effects as those of the above embodiment can be obtained.

It is a front view which shows the external appearance of the pachinko machine by one Embodiment of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows the main structures of the electronic circuit which carries out process control of the game operation | movement of the pachinko machine shown in FIG. (A) is a variation pattern table used in the pachinko machine shown in FIG. 1, and (b) is a variation effect determination table used in the pachinko machine shown in FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the outline of the main process which the main control board of the pachinko machine shown in FIG. 1 performs. It is a flowchart which shows the outline of the system timer interruption process which the main control board of the pachinko machine shown in FIG. 1 performs. It is a flowchart which shows the detail of the special symbol control process shown in FIG. It is a figure which shows the flow of the special symbol control process shown in FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the detail of the special symbol memory | storage check process shown in FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the detail of the special symbol fluctuation | variation time management process shown in FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the detail of the special symbol display time management process shown in FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the outline of the main process which the sub control board of the pachinko machine shown in FIG. 1 performs. It is a flowchart which shows the outline of the command reception interruption process which the sub control board of the pachinko machine shown in FIG. 1 performs. 12 is a flowchart showing details of command analysis control processing shown in FIG. 11. It is a flowchart which shows the outline of the timer interruption process which the sub control board of the pachinko machine shown in FIG. 1 performs. It is a flowchart which shows the detail of the operation button input process shown in FIG. FIG. 12 is a first flowchart showing details of display control processing shown in FIG. 11. FIG. 12 is a second flowchart showing details of the display control process shown in FIG. 11. 12 is a third flowchart showing details of the display control process shown in FIG. 11. It is a front view which shows the external appearance of the pachislot machine to which this invention is applied.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Pachinko machine 2 ... Game area 3 ... Upper plate 5 ... Launch handle 7 ... Lower plate 7a ... Unit mounting part 9 ... Handle base 10 ... Decorative design display (LCD)
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 11 ... Normal symbol display device 12 ... Special symbol display device 14 ... Normal electric accessory 14s ... Start winning opening switch 15 ... Large winning opening 15s ... Count switch 15v ... V / count switch 21v ... Seesaw solenoid 24 ... Start winning opening solenoid 25 ... Prize winning solenoid 30 ... Main control board 31 ... Main CPU
33 ... Main ROM
34 ... Main RAM
40 ... Sub control board 41 ... Sub CPU
42 ... Program ROM
43 ... Work RAM
44 ... Image control circuit 60 ... Frame control board 64 ... Launcher
70 ... Operation unit 213 ... Fluctuation start lever 72, 214 ... Symbol stop button 72s ... Symbol stop switch 91 ... Normal symbol start memory number display part 92a, 92b, 92c, 92d ... Special symbol start memory number display part 200 ... Pachi-slot machine

Claims (3)

In a gaming machine configured to include a display unit that displays an identification symbol composed of a plurality of symbol elements, and a display control unit that causes each of the symbol elements to be variably displayed on the display unit and to stop display.
An operation means for performing a plurality of operations by a player, and an operation detection means for detecting at least two or more of the plurality of operations on the operation means,
The display control means includes a stop symbol number determining means for determining the number of stop symbols of the symbol element based on the type of operation detected by the operation detection means, and the number of stop symbols determined by the stop symbol number determining means. And a stop display means for stopping and displaying the symbol element based on the operation for determining the number of stop symbols. A detection time measuring means for measuring a detection time from when the operation of the operation means is detected by the operation detection means until it is no longer detected;
The stop symbol number determining means determines that a first operation on the operation means has been performed when a predetermined detection time is measured by the detection time measuring means, and determines a first stop symbol number. 2. The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein when the predetermined detection time is not measured by the detection time measuring means, the number of stop symbols different from the first stop symbol number is determined. Comprising a remaining time measuring means for measuring a remaining time from the time when the operation is not detected after the operation detecting means detects the operation of the operating means;
The stop symbol number determining means determines that a second operation has been performed on the operating means when the operation detecting means does not detect an operation of the operating means again within the remaining time, and a second stop is made. The number of symbols is determined, and when the operation of the operation unit is detected again by the operation detection unit within the remaining time, it is determined that a third operation has been performed on the operation unit, and the second stop The game machine according to claim 1 or 2, wherein a third stop symbol number different from the symbol number is determined.

Images