JP2007130130A - Pinball game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a pinball game machine capable of easily discriminating whether or not specifications match between a game board and a controller in an early stage. <P>SOLUTION: A main controller and a pattern controller are activated by the supply of power and control the entire game including the display control of the display screen of a variable display device 34 according to a processing program corresponding to one specification A of the specifications A and B. A model display label 61a is fixed to the game board 7. The surface of the model display label 61a is colored in "yellow", and the specification number "CROL2SK" of the specification A is written on the surface. The pattern controller displays a preparation image for which the specification number "CROL2SK" of the specification A is written in an "yellow" background area 62a on the display screen of the pattern controller in activation processing after the power is supplied. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a ball game machine.

  In general, a ball game machine such as a pachinko machine is provided with a launching device that launches a game ball by a handle operation, and the game ball fired by this launching device passes through a specific winning opening (start winning prize opening). In response to this, the change of the special symbol displayed on the display device (electronic winning / losing lottery) is started. When the winning / losing lottery is won, a combination of predetermined special symbols is displayed on the display device, and a jackpot gaming state advantageous to the player is generated. In the jackpot gaming state, the special winning opening (big winning opening) opens and closes to accept gaming balls, so that the player can acquire many winning balls.

JP 2005-118172 A

  By the way, in the above-mentioned ball game machine, in order to respond to requests from players and game machine installation shops, a plurality of specifications (specifications) may be prepared for one type of ball game machine. Specifically, the same type of ammunition can be obtained by sharing the progress of the game and its production, and making different settings such as the winning probability of electronic lottery and the upper limit number of game balls accepted by the special prize opening in the jackpot game state. Prepare multiple specifications for ball game machines. Further, in order to make it possible to distinguish the specs of the ball game machine from the appearance, an identification label indicating a spec number may be attached to the game board.

  However, the processing programs to be executed are different among the ball game machines having different specifications as described above, and the difference in the processing programs to be executed cannot be determined at a glance from the appearance. For this reason, it is difficult to determine whether or not the specifications match between the game board and the control device after the control device is assembled to the game board set for a certain specification.

  The present invention has been made in order to solve the above-mentioned problems, and its purpose is to be able to quickly and easily determine whether or not the specifications are consistent between the game board and the control device. Is to provide a simple ball game machine.

  In order to achieve the above object, the present invention is a ball game machine that plays a game by firing a game ball onto a game area on the surface of the game board, and includes a display screen, a control means, a spec display unit, Is provided. The display screen is provided in the game area. The control means is activated when the power is turned on, and controls the entire game including display control of the display screen according to a predetermined processing program corresponding to a predetermined one of a plurality of specifications. The spec display unit is fixed to the game board. The specification display unit displays a specification identification display corresponding to the predetermined one of the specification identification displays set for each of a plurality of specifications. The control means causes the display screen to display an image that is common with the specification identification display displayed on the specification display unit during the startup process after the power is turned on.

  Examples of the specification identification display include, for example, a predetermined mark and a background color of the specification display unit in addition to the number indicating the specification.

  In the above configuration, when the ball game machine is turned on, an image common to the spec identification display displayed on the spec display section is displayed on the display screen using the time from the start to the end of the start process. Is done. Therefore, a manufacturer of a ball game machine or a store clerk of a game machine installation store compares whether the image displayed on the display screen at the time of start-up matches the spec identification display on the identification display portion of the game board. Thus, it is possible to quickly and easily determine whether or not the specifications match between the game board and the control device. Furthermore, even if the specification is changed illegally to a spec that is advantageous to the player, the specification change due to the illegality can be detected early and easily.

  In addition, when the above-mentioned ball game machine is provided with a transparent plate member that is disposed in front of the game board and faces the game area, the spec display unit is located outside the game area of the game board and through the transparent board member. It is good to arrange at a position that can be seen from the front.

  In the above configuration, it is possible to compare whether or not the image displayed on the display screen at the time of activation matches the identification display on the identification display unit of the game board with the transparent plate member disposed in front of the game board. .

  Further, since the spec display section is arranged outside the game area, the game ball moving in the game area does not contact the identification display section. For this reason, it can suppress that a spec display part becomes dirty or becomes thin, and it can suppress that a spec identification display becomes difficult to visually recognize.

  Further, the spec display unit may be arranged in an area aligned with the display screen in the horizontal direction.

  With the above configuration, it is possible to easily compare at a glance whether or not the image displayed on the display screen at the time of activation matches the identification display of the identification display unit of the game board.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to quickly and easily determine whether or not the specifications match between the game board and the control device.

  Hereinafter, with reference to the drawings, a configuration of a ball game machine (hereinafter simply referred to as a game machine) that is installed at a place such as a game machine installation sales office and that allows a player to play a game based on the supply of game balls; The operation will be described.

  In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1, a prepaid card purchased by a player from a game machine-installed store is paid into a prepaid card unit (hereinafter referred to as a CR unit) 1 by paying a value such as cash. Thus, the configuration and operation of a gaming machine in which a player plays a game in the form of borrowing a game ball used for the game will be described. More specifically, as shown in FIG. 3, the gaming machine is electronic when a borrowed game ball is received in a predetermined winning opening (start chucker, starting winning opening) 2 and enters a winning state. If the result of the lottery is selected and the result of the lottery is a win, the game ball is easy to win the special winning opening (large winning opening) 3 so that the gaming state is advantageous to the player from the normal gaming state. This is a bullet ball game machine (hereinafter referred to as a game machine). In addition, the gaming machine of the present embodiment is classified as a pachinko gaming machine in the regulations on the optimization of customs business and the law on the optimization of business (Fair Management Optimization Law) and the enforcement regulations of the law. is there.

[Outline of gaming machine structure]
The gaming machine of this embodiment has an outer frame (wooden frame) 4, a main body member (main body) 5, an opening frame door 6, a game board 7, a door 8 with a ball tray, a ball tray 9, and a rotating type as external structures. An operation handle (ball launching handle) 10, a ball lending-related operation unit 11, a stored ball discharge operation button 12 for the ball tray 9, and the like are provided on the front side thereof. In addition, this gaming machine has, as an internal structure, a main control device 13, a sub-control device 14, a game ball payout device 15, a ball lending signal control device 16, a movable object control device 17, a collection passage member 18, a storage tank 19, A passage member (prize ball opening) 20 used when paying out game balls, and a power supply device 21, a firing control device 22, a firing drive device 23, and the like are provided on the rear surface side.

  Hereinafter, with reference to FIG. 1 to FIG. 7, the configuration of the gaming machine of the present embodiment includes an external structure, an internal structure, a configuration on the surface of the game board (mainly a configuration of the game area), and an electrical configuration. The details will be described in the order.

[External structure]
First, the external structure of the gaming machine of this embodiment will be described.

  The outer frame 4 is a wooden frame member having a vertical rectangular shape for fixing to an installation location (island facilities or the like) provided in a gaming machine installation sales shop.

  The main body member 5 is a member that is provided inside the outer frame 4 and serves as a longitudinal rectangular gaming machine base body that is rotatably attached to the outer frame 4 via a hinge portion 26. Moreover, the main body member 5 is formed in a frame shape and has a space portion inside.

  The opening frame door 6 has a lock function 25 and is attached to the front surface of the main body member 5 on the front side of the gaming machine so as to be openable and closable via a hinge portion 26, and is configured in a frame shape. This is a door member having an opening 27 inside thereof. The opening frame door 6 is provided with a transparent plate member 28 made of glass or resin so as to face the opening 27, and an electric decoration 29 and a speaker 30 are attached in the vicinity of the opening 27. Yes.

  The game board 7 has a game area 31 on its board surface, and is detachably attached to the main body member 5 using a predetermined fixing member so as to face the space of the main body member 5. The game area 31 can be observed from the opening 27 after the game board 7 is mounted on the main body member 5.

The door 8 with a ball tray is a door member attached to the lower side of the main body member 5 on the front surface of the gaming machine so as to have a lock function and be openable and closable. In the present embodiment, the following members are attached to the door 8 with a ball tray.
(1) A ball tray 9 in which a plurality of game balls can be stored and a passage for guiding the game balls to the firing drive device 23 is provided.
(2) A rotary operation handle 10 having a game ball launch stop button 10a for launching a game ball guided to the launch drive device 23 to a game area 31 provided on the surface of the game board 7. .
(3) A ball lending-related operation unit 11 including buttons for instructing a prepaid card reading process and a lending process related to a game ball borrowed by a player (hereinafter referred to as a lending ball).
(4) A stored ball discharge operation button 12 for the ball receiving tray 9 for allowing the player to discharge the game balls stored in the ball receiving tray 9 to a game ball collecting container (common name, dollar box).

[Internal structure]
Next, the internal structure of the gaming machine of this embodiment will be described.

  The main control device 13 functions as a control means according to the present invention, and is provided via the main body member 5 or the game board 7 or a support member provided to these. The main control device 13 performs electric game control processing and generates main processing information.

  The sub-control device 14 functions as control means according to the present invention and is provided via the main body member 5 or the game board 7 or a support member provided to these, and in accordance with processing information generated by the main control device 13, It is an apparatus which performs control which performs the output mode process. In addition, although mentioned later in detail, the sub control apparatus 14 has the symbol control apparatus 14a, the lamp control apparatus 14b, the audio | voice control apparatus 14c, and the payout control apparatus 14d.

  The game ball payout device 15 is a device provided with a drive source for paying out a predetermined number of game balls as a game profit (hereinafter referred to as a prize ball) in accordance with the establishment of a predetermined winning condition.

  The ball lending signal control device 16 controls the prepaid card reading processing relationship and the lending lending processing relationship.

  The movable object control device 17 has a plurality of movable objects (for example, a movable piece 44, a movable door 45, a prize area distribution item, an effect, etc.) arranged in the game area 31 in accordance with the processing information generated by the main control apparatus 13. A moving object for operation) is provided individually corresponding to a plurality of movable objects. The movable object control device 17 of the present embodiment includes a movable piece drive device, a movable door drive device, a winning area distribution drive device, and an effect moving object drive device.

  The collection passage member 18 is a passage for collecting the game balls that have been launched into the game area 31 provided on the surface of the game board 7 by the rotary operation handle 10 to the back side of the game board 7 (common name, collective bowl). It is the member which becomes.

  The passage member 20 used when paying out the game ball is a member that serves as a passage for guiding a winning ball or a rental ball to the ball tray 9.

  The power supply device 21 is a device that supplies power to each control device in the gaming machine in response to power being turned on.

  When an operation for launching a game ball to the game area 31 is performed via the rotary operation handle 10, the launch control device 22 launches 100 play balls in one minute. And the like, and the launching intensity of the game ball is adjusted in accordance with the amount of rotation of the rotary operation handle 10.

  The launch drive device 23 is a device that activates the launch drive unit for the game ball in accordance with launch control by the launch control device 22 and launches the game ball into the game area 31.

[Composition on the board of the game board]
Next, the structure on the board surface of the game board 7 of the gaming machine of this embodiment will be described.

  The game area 31 is partitioned and formed into a substantially circular shape by a guide rail 32 for sliding a game ball, a game ball regulating rail 33, and a rail decoration 60, and a game ball hit by the rotary operation handle 10 is formed. This is an area for restricting the movement range. The guide rail 32 and the game ball regulation rail 33 mainly define the game area 31 on the game ball launching side, and the inner surface of the rail decoration 60 mainly defines the game area 31 on the game ball launch destination side. . The game ball regulation rail 33 is configured to be continuously connected to the guide rail 32 through the inner surface of the rail decoration 60, and the guide rail 32, the inner surface of the rail decoration, and the game ball regulation rail 33 are spiraled as a whole. Therefore, it is arranged on the board surface of the game board 7.

  Further, in the game area 31, a variable display device (special symbol display device) 34, an LED (Light Emitting Diode) display device 35, a stage 36, a predetermined winning port (general winning port) 37, a predetermined passing port (through chucker). 38, 46, an out port 39, a game nail (not shown), a windmill 40, a specific reservation number display lamp 41, a passage reservation number display lamp 42, an effect display lamp 43, and the like.

  The variable display device 34 has identification information in accordance with a result of an electronic winning lottery executed in response to the establishment of a predetermined condition (for example, winning a game ball into a predetermined winning opening). The display control device stops display after variably displaying the identification display information (for example, a symbol, a character, a background image, etc.). The variable display device 34 may be a display device such as a liquid crystal display device, a drum display device, a dot matrix display device, a 7-segment display device, or an EL (ElectroLuminescence) display device. .

  The LED display device 35 is a device that displays various information to the player using LEDs. For example, a predetermined condition is satisfied (for example, a game ball passes through a predetermined passage, etc.). In accordance with the result of the electronic winning lottery executed according to the above, the identification lighting information as identification information is variably displayed by the LED and then stopped and displayed.

  The stage 36 is a structure provided with a landing that allows the game ball to stay temporarily below the variable display device 34 and then allows the game ball to fall.

  The predetermined winning opening 37 is a structure provided with a plurality of openings at appropriate positions in the game area 31 and having openings for receiving the falling game balls. Note that the specific prize opening 2 and the special prize opening 3 are also included in the predetermined prize opening 37.

  Here, the specific winning opening 2 is one of a plurality of winning openings, and includes an electric movable piece 44 for expanding and contracting the opening range of the winning opening, and the game ball wins the winning opening. In response to this, the variable display device variably displays the identification display information, and is a winning opening for allowing the player to acquire a prize ball. The special winning opening 3 is one of a plurality of winning openings, and includes an electric movable door 45 that generates an open state that exposes the winning opening and a closed state that closes the winning opening. Is a winning opening that allows a player to acquire more prize balls than other winning openings in response to winning a winning opening. Hereinafter, a plurality of predetermined winning ports 37 other than the specific winning port 2 and the special winning port 3 are referred to as other winning ports 37.

  The predetermined passages 38 and 46 are structures provided with a predetermined number at appropriate positions in the game area 31 and gates through which the falling game balls pass.

  The out port 39 is a game ball collection opening provided at a position where the game balls that have not entered any of the predetermined winning ports 37 are converged.

  The game nail has a plurality of rod shapes that are driven into appropriate positions on the board surface of the game board 7 in order to make the movement direction of the game ball irregular by making contact with the game ball or to regulate the movement direction of the game ball. It is a member.

  The windmill 40 is a rotating member that can rotate by contact with a game ball.

  The specific number-of-holds display lamp 41 is a light-emitting device that notifies a hold state related to the start of variable display after winning a prize to the specific winning opening 2 by turning on or off.

  The passing hold number display lamp 42 is a light emitting device that notifies the holding state relating to the start of variable display after the passage to the predetermined passage port 38 is turned on or off.

  The effect display lamp 43 is a light-emitting device that has various lighting modes according to changes in the gaming state after the power is turned on.

  A model display label 61 as a spec display section is attached to the surface of the rail decoration 60. In the model display label 61, a model number indicating the type of gaming machine and a specification number (spec information) indicating the specification are written.

  Here, the specifications are specifications relating to various setting values that are set in advance in the gaming machine, such as a winning probability of electronic lottery and an upper limit number of game balls that the special winning opening accepts in the big win gaming state. For example, the same type of gaming machines having different specifications share the same basic game processing program related to the progress and production of the game executed by the main control device 13 and are special in terms of the electronic lottery winning probability and the jackpot gaming state. The upper limit number of game balls accepted by the winning opening is different.

  In the present embodiment, model display labels 61a and 61b attached to two gaming machines of the same type and different specifications will be described. Note that the game machine of one spec (hereinafter referred to as “Spec A”) and the game machine of the other spec (hereinafter referred to as “Spec B”) are elected in the electronic winning / losing lottery executed in the special symbol control process described later. The probabilities are different, the winning probability in the case of spec A is 1/300, and the winning probability in the case of spec B is 1/450. In the case of spec A, a white cell is stuck on the surface of the game board 7, and in the case of spec B, an orange cell is stuck on the face of the game board 7.

  The model identification label “CROL2SK” in which the model number “CROL2” and the specification number “SK” are arranged in a line is written on the model display label 61a of the spec A, and the model number “CROL2” is written on the model display label 61b of the spec B. "And the specification number" RQ "are listed in a line, and the model identification number" CROL2SK "is written. The surface of the model display label 61a of the spec A is colored “yellow”, and the surface of the model display label 61b of the spec B is colored “green”. The specification number and the color of the surface of each model display label 61a, 61b function as a specification identification display. In addition, the area | region colored in "yellow" or "green" in each model display label 61a, 61b should just have the area which can be visually recognized easily, and the whole area of each model display label 61a, 61b does not necessarily have to be. It need not be colored. In addition to the specification number and color, other identification displays such as a predetermined mark may be written on the model display label 61 as a specification identification display.

  Each model display label 61a, 61b is visible from the front through the transparent plate member 28 on the surface of the rail decoration 60 when the opening frame door 6 is closed with respect to the main body member 5, and The variable display device 34 is arranged at a place side by side with the display screen.

  In this embodiment, the model display label 61 is attached to the rail decoration 60. However, for example, the model display label 61 is attached to another member fixed to the game board 7, or the game The model display label 61 may be attached directly on the board surface of the board 7, and the model display label 61 may be attached to the game area 31 as indicated by a two-dot chain line in FIG. 4.

[Electrical configuration]
Next, the electrical configuration of the gaming machine of this embodiment will be described.

  The gaming machine according to the present embodiment has, as an electrical configuration, a CR unit 1, a main control device 13, a sub control device 14, a ball lending signal control device 16, a movable object control device 17, a power supply device 21, and a launch control device 22. , A firing drive device 23, a detection sensor 47, a centralized management device 48, and the like. The configurations of the CR unit 1, the ball lending signal control device 16, the movable object control device 17, the power supply device 21, the launch control device 22, and the launch drive device 23 are as described above, and hence the description thereof is omitted below. To do.

  The main controller 13 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 13a, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 13b for storing a predetermined control program (computer program), and a generated process. It consists of a RAM (Random Access Memory) 13c that temporarily stores information and deletes the stored information, a frequency generation circuit unit 13d that generates a periodic signal, and the like, and performs main information processing in the gaming machine. This is a device that performs processing and generates processing information to be input to the sub-control device 14.

  The sub-control device 14 includes a symbol control device 14a, a lamp control device 14b, a voice control device 14c, and a payout control device 14d, and performs predetermined output mode processing according to the processing information generated by the main control device 13. The sub-control device 14 may be configured as a device for each output mode process, or may be configured by combining a plurality of output mode processes. Each control device constituting the sub-control device 14 includes a CPU, a ROM, and a RAM so that the processing can be executed independently according to the processing information.

  Here, the symbol control device 14a is identified by controlling the variable display device 34 or the LED display device 35 via the video display processor (VDP) 50 in accordance with the processing information generated by the main control device 13. It is a device that performs control to stop and display after lighting information or identification display information is variably displayed.

  The lamp control device 14b is used for effects provided in the electrical decorations 29 (including effect notification lamps, payout lamps, trouble lamps) and the game area 31 of the opening frame door 6 according to the processing information generated by the main control device 13. It is a device that controls lighting of the display lamp (electric decoration) 43, the specific hold number display lamp 41, the passing hold number display lamp 42, or the like. The information represented by the specific hold number display lamp 41 or the passing hold number display lamp 42 may be notified as identification display information by the variable display device 34.

  The voice control device 14c is a device that controls the voice generation device 51 such as the speaker 30 and the sound processor according to the processing information generated by the main control device 13 to generate voice.

  The payout control device 14d is a device that performs control for paying out a predetermined number of prize balls by the game ball payout device 15 in accordance with the processing information generated by the main control device 13. Further, the payout control device 14d refers to the data information stored in the prepaid card read into the CR unit 1 via the ball lending signal control device 16 according to the processing information generated by the main control device 13, and determines a predetermined value. It is a device that performs control to pay out a number of rented balls and counts and manages the number of lent out balls.

  The detection sensor 47 includes a specific winning ball detection sensor 47a, a special winning ball detection sensor 47b, a winning specific area detection sensor 47c, a passing ball detection sensor 47d, other winning ball detection sensors 47e, a game ball payout detection sensor 47f, and an error detection. It is constituted by a sensor 47g. Each of the detection sensors includes a specific winning port 2, a special winning port 3, a winning specific region (for example, a region on the right side from the approximate center of the special winning port 3), predetermined passing ports 38 and 46, other winning ports 37, and awards. It is provided in the vicinity of the ball passage 20a and the ball passage 49a of the ball passage member 49 where ball clogging is likely to occur, and detects whether or not a game ball has passed in each place.

  The centralized management device 48 is a device that manages processing information generated by the main control device 13 outside the gaming machine.

[Game machine operation]
Next, the main operation of the gaming machine according to the present embodiment will be described by dividing it into the operations of the main control device 13 and the sub control device 14.

[Operation of main controller]
First, the operation of the main controller 13 that performs main game control will be described.

  The power supply device 21 supplies power to the electrical control device of the gaming machine in response to power being turned on. When the power is supplied, the CPU 13a of the main control device 13 outputs a preparation image display instruction signal to the symbol control device 14a of the sub control device 14, and checks the following necessary confirmation items as an initial setting. Then, it is checked whether or not the gaming machine is in an appropriate activation state.

  Specifically, first, the CPU 13a of the main control device 13 determines whether or not a switch (not shown) for clearing processing information stored in the RAM 13c is in an on state. When the switch is on, the CPU 13a of the main control device 13 deletes the processing information stored in the RAM 13c such as prize ball information and game history information as unnecessary residual data, and stores predetermined processing information in the RAM 13c. It is checked whether or not it can be stored normally. If the check result indicates that the data can be stored normally, the CPU 13a of the main control device 13 permits the shift to the main routine process and notifies the sub control device 14 of the start of the main control activation. Process information etc. are generated.

  On the other hand, if the switch is not on, the CPU 13a of the main control device 13 determines whether or not the backup flag is set. If the backup flag is set, the same check and Permits transition to main routine processing. On the contrary, when the backup flag is not set, the CPU 13a of the main control device 13 determines whether or not the processing information (the contents of the storage area) stored in the RAM 13c is broken and stores it in the RAM 13c. When it is determined that the processed information is not “broken”, the same check as described above and permission to shift to the main routine are performed.

  On the other hand, when it is determined that the processing information stored in the RAM 13c is “broken”, the CPU 13a of the main control device 13 generates an unforeseen power failure, failure, processing error, etc. before the power is turned on. It is determined that the error has occurred, and after the error cancellation recovery process is performed, control is performed to start the process from the point of power-off when the error occurred.

  Here, the main routine processing in the present embodiment is executed by a control program (computer program) stored in advance in the ROM 13b provided in the main control device 13. Then, the CPU 13a of the main control device 13 performs, as main routine processing, random number update processing, input detection reception processing, input management processing, abnormality monitoring processing, special symbol control processing, normal symbol control processing, lamp management processing, and preparation ball payout processing. External information management processing and output management processing are performed.

  The main routine processing is to generate a periodic timing pulse (for example, 4 milliseconds) by frequency division setting based on a periodic signal generated by the frequency generation circuit unit 13d, and to match the generated timing pulse. The CPU 13a is a basic routine that repeatedly executes a control execution process including reading and updating of each of the processes, writing and storing, or deletion of the memory.

  Hereinafter, among the processes of the main routine process, a random number update process, an input detection reception process, a special symbol control process, a normal symbol control process, and an output management process will be described in detail.

"Random number update process"
The random number update process is a process of setting a lottery game process and a random number generation range composed of a group of a plurality of predetermined numerical groups for each individual type, and generating a random number based on this setting. The random number in the present embodiment is a random number generation program in which a random number generation range corresponding to each lottery game process is set (for example, the random number generation range for determination of success / failure is 0 to 699, the random number generation range for determining the variation pattern is 0 to 39, the display symbol determination random number generation range is 0 to 11 etc.), and means a numerical value when the numerical value is updated by +1 within the random number generation range according to the timing pulse (for example, 4 milliseconds). . The random number update process is not limited to a software process by a control program stored in the ROM 13b of the main control device 13, but a random number update process based on a random number generation unit that is a physical device provided outside. This random number may be taken into the CPU 13a of the main control device 13 to perform the random number extraction control process.

"Input detection reception process"
The input detection reception process includes a specific winning ball detection sensor 47a, a special winning ball detection sensor 47b, a winning specific area detection sensor 47c, a passing ball detection sensor 47d, other winning ball detection sensors 47e, a game ball payout detection sensor 47f, and an error. This is a process of monitoring whether there is input information generated by the detection sensor 47g according to a timing pulse (for example, 4 milliseconds) and receiving the input information from the sensor.

"Special symbol control process"
In the special symbol control process, an electronic winning / losing lottery is performed in response to receiving input information from the specific winning ball detection sensor 47a provided in the vicinity of the specific winning opening 2, and in the case of winning, a normal game This is a process for making it easy for a game ball to win a special winning opening 3 so that a game state advantageous to the player (a big hit game state) is obtained. In this special symbol control process, the CPU 13a of the main control device 13 also performs a process related to display control of identification display information (hereinafter referred to as a special symbol) by the variable display device 34.

  Here, the special symbol is a plurality of pieces of identification information (for example, three symbols of left, middle, and right) that variably display the result of the success / failure lottery based on the winning of the game ball in the specific winning port 2. When the lottery result is a win, a plurality of identification information is displayed in a display mode stopped in a predetermined combination (for example, a state in which all three symbols of left, middle, and right are aligned with the same symbol) Thereby, it is notified that the game state (big hit game state) advantageous to the player has been shifted. In such a gaming state, a state in which more prize balls can be acquired in a shorter time than in the normal gaming state occurs continuously. On the other hand, if the lottery result is out of place, a plurality of pieces of identification information are stopped in a display mode other than a predetermined combination (for example, at least one of the three symbols of left, middle, and right is different from the other). Thus, it is notified that the normal gaming state is continuing.

  Moreover, the variable display in the special symbol is a mode in which a plurality of different special symbols (for example, 12 types) set in advance are periodically displayed at a predetermined speed in a plurality of display areas (for example, This is a display method performed in three ways (left, middle, right, etc.). Hereinafter, the effect in the variable display and the background fluctuation (including character display) accompanying the variable display is referred to as a notification effect.

  In this special symbol control process, the CPU 13a of the main control device 13 receives the winning of a game ball in the specific winning opening 2 as a trigger, and determines whether or not the lottery results according to the comparison of predetermined numerical values by random number extraction and the lottery result. In order to perform such display control, a random number for determining whether or not to shift to an advantageous gaming state for determining whether or not to win (lottery) and a variable display according to the determination result of whether or not the variable display device 34 is used. Random number update processing generates a random number for determining a variation pattern for providing a notification effect and a random number for determining a special symbol for setting a stop display according to the determination result of the variable display device 34 in the same manner. To do. Then, the CPU 13a of the main control device 13 individually reads the generated random numbers and stores them in the storage means as acquired random numbers.

  Further, in this special symbol control process, the CPU 13a of the main control device 13 stores the condition on the condition that the preceding control process such as the notification effect process by the special symbol control has not already been performed at the time of obtaining the random number. The determination is made by comparing the acquired random number with a comparison value for success / failure preset in the table as a numerical distribution data group, and the result information is stored in the storage means.

  Next, the CPU 13a of the main control device 13 classifies the table based on whether the result is correct or not, and stores the variation pattern comparison numerical value for winning or losing stored in the ROM 13b, and the stored random number for determining the variation pattern. Are compared and compared in accordance with the validity information stored in the storage means, thereby determining the variation pattern, and the result of the variation pattern information (pattern number) to be used for hit or miss is stored in the storage means. To do.

  Further, the CPU 13a of the main control device 13 compares special symbols in a stop display mode (for example, left / middle / right alignment mode) that is preliminarily classified and stored in the table based on whether or not it is correct. The special symbol determination is performed by comparing the stored numerical value and the stored random number for determining the special symbol with the stored determination information according to the variation pattern information to be used for hitting or losing. Each of the plurality of special symbols obtained from the result is individually stopped and displayed, and special symbol information (left, middle and right special symbol numbers) for hitting or losing is stored in the storage means.

  Here, comparing and comparing according to a table having a numerical value for fluctuation pattern comparison or a special symbol comparison numerical value and an acquired random number corresponding thereto, This is the process of finding a match by determining the match of the combination with the acquired random number corresponding to, and if it is not, determining the match of the combination of the comparison numerical value for removal and the corresponding acquired random number. . Then, a variation pattern number for winning or losing according to the match or a plurality of special symbol numbers for winning or losing are stored in the storage means.

  In addition, at the time of acquisition of the random number by the random number generating means, it is said that “the determination of success / failure is made on the condition that the advance control process such as the notification effect process by the special symbol control is not performed”, but the trigger condition is arbitrarily set The design can be changed.

By the special symbol control process described so far, the following information is generated as the processing information obtained after winning a prize at the specific winning opening 2.
(1) A variation pattern number for winning or losing.
(2) A plurality of special symbol numbers for winning or losing that temporarily stop display (including fine motion display) for a predetermined variable display area.
(3) A fixed stop instruction number for making a stop display mode for a plurality of special symbols that are temporarily stopped.
(4) A jackpot transition instruction number in the case of winning in the determination of success / failure.

  Then, when transmitting the variation pattern number and the plurality of special symbol numbers to the sub-control device 14 side through an output management process described later, the CPU 13a of the main control device 13 sets the control processing execution time corresponding to the determined variation pattern. Set the timer to update the timer that performs the count calculation process. It should be noted that the fixed stop instruction number and the jackpot transition instruction number in the case of winning in the determination of success / failure are transmitted via the output management process at a timing corresponding to the elapse of the control process execution time by the timer.

  In addition, in the case of a spec A gaming machine, whether or not to shift to a gaming state advantageous to the player corresponds to lottery game processing for determination of success / failure and 0 to 597 “numbers for losing” corresponding to normal usage The random number so as to correspond to the “random number generation range” composed of a total of 600 including the “special value” attached and the “special value” associated as a more useful hit than the normal use. A numerical value set in the update process and updated at a timing according to the winning time of the game ball to the specific winning opening 2 described above is read and acquired as a random number, and the acquired random number is “special numerical value” or “special numerical value”. It is determined according to the result of whether or not it is true. That is, the condition for shifting is satisfied when the winning determination is a 1/300 lottery probability triggered by the winning.

  On the other hand, in the case of the spec B gaming machine, whether or not to shift to a gaming state advantageous to a player corresponds to lottery game processing for determination of success / failure and 0 to 897 “numbers for losing” corresponding to normal usage The random number so as to correspond to a total of 900 “random number generation ranges” including the “special value” attached and the “special value” associated as a more useful hit than the normal use. A numerical value set in the update process and updated at a timing according to the winning time of the game ball to the specific winning opening 2 described above is read and acquired as a random number, and the acquired random number is “special numerical value” or “special numerical value”. It is determined according to the result of whether or not it is true. That is, when the winning determination is a 1/450 lottery probability triggered by the winning, the condition for shifting is satisfied.

  In addition, when the combination of the special symbols (for example, the left, middle, and right special symbols are of the same type) is used for the stop and display mode to shift to a gaming state that is advantageous to the player, one step before that The undecided display is referred to as a so-called reach effect. The contents of various other notification effects including such reach effect are as follows: (a) the result of the hit / decision determination, and (b) the aforementioned It is determined based on the obtained random number for determining the variation pattern and the special symbol for reading out according to the winning timing of the game ball with respect to the specific winning opening 2. In other words, the variable display device 34 via the symbol control device 14a can perform variable display at random.

  In the case where a preceding control process such as a notification effect process by special symbol control has been performed at the time of acquisition of a random number by the random number generating means, the CPU 13a of the main control device 13 until the control process ends. In order to store the acquired random number related to the special symbol control as the read result or the processing information for executing the display mode in the storage unit and notify the storage, the specific hold number display lamp 41 is stored every time the random number is stored. Lighting command information to be transmitted to the sub-control device 14 (lamp control device 14b) is generated.

  Then, based on the timer that is updated by the count calculation that is set to manage the transition of the variation display time of the variation pattern that is variably displayed, the CPU 13a of the main control device 13 notifies the stop display mode notification time. In accordance with this timing, unnecessary acquired random numbers or processing information stored in the storage means are deleted, and when the fixed stop instruction number is transmitted, the specific hold number display lamp 41 is turned off one by one. That is, the sub-control device 14 (lamp control device 14b) uses the fixed stop instruction number as the turn-off command processing information when the specific hold number display lamp 41 is turned on.

  In this embodiment, when the acquired random number or processing information is stored in the storage means, an upper limit number (for example, 5) of the acquired random number or processing information to be stored is determined in advance, and the prior control processing is performed. When the total storage number including the storage of the acquired random number or processing information is the upper limit, the CPU 13a of the main control device 13 stores it as an invalid condition even if the condition for generating the acquired random number or processing information is satisfied No special symbol control is performed.

  Also, in this special symbol control process, the result of determination of whether or not to shift to the advantageous gaming state (big hit gaming state) is a hit, and in order to notify the winning result, a predetermined combination of the special symbols is predetermined. When executing the displayed stop display mode, the CPU 13a of the main control device 13 performs the following processing. That is, the CPU 13a of the main control device 13 responds to the win in order to shift to the advantageous gaming state (a) the movable door 45 provided to be closed with respect to the special prize winning port 3. Either an open state, (b) a predetermined time (for example, 30 seconds) has elapsed, or a predetermined number (for example, 10) of game balls are awarded to the special winning opening 3 The closing of the movable door 45 is controlled on condition that the above condition is satisfied. Further, (c) any of the game balls won in the open state passes through the winning specific area provided in the special winning opening 3. On the condition that the winning specific area detection sensor 47c has detected, the movable door 45 is continuously opened, and (d) the movable door 45 is opened and closed with the transition of the same condition as described above. , A predetermined upper limit number (for example, 16 times) Generating processing information for instructing to repeat until achieved.

  Further, at the time of the validity determination by comparing the acquisition random number for the success and the table of comparison values for the success / failure, the acquired random number is “corresponding to a predetermined special value (for example, corresponding to the transition to the hit probability increasing fluctuation state”). If it is determined that the winning is based on “the numerical value)”, the CPU 13a of the main control device 13 uses, for example, a winning probability of 1/350 to 1/75 for the table used after the advantageous gaming state ends. The reference table is changed to a table with a high probability of winning, and then the number of variable displays based on winning in the specific winning port 2 reaches a predetermined number (for example, 10,000 times) or special When a condition determined to be a winning related to symbol control is satisfied, processing information for instructing to return to the table before the change is generated. A gaming state controlled by such processing information is referred to as a privilege gaming state.

  Further, as another embodiment in the privilege gaming state, when a table in which a variation display time related to one variation pattern is set with a shorter variation pattern compared to that in the normal gaming state is provided, and it is determined that it is a hit by a special random number The CPU 13a of the main control device 13 changes the reference table to the table, until the number of variable displays based on winning in the specific winning opening 2 reaches a predetermined number (for example, 10,000 times), or special If a condition determined to be a win related to symbol control is satisfied, processing information for instructing to return to the table before the change may be generated. That is, in the present invention, the form of the privilege gaming state is not concerned.

"Normal design control processing"
The normal symbol control process is a process for making the game state advantageous to the player, and electronic determination of lottery in response to receiving input information from the passing ball detection sensor 47d provided in the vicinity of the predetermined passing port 38. In the case of winning, the movable pieces 44 provided on both sides of the entrance of the specific winning port 2 are expanded to expand the opening range thereof, and the launched game ball can easily enter the specific winning port 2 . Moreover, in this normal symbol control process, the display control of the identification information called a normal symbol is also performed by the LED display device 35.

  Here, the normal symbol is a predetermined number of pieces of identification information for variably displaying or blinking the result of the success / failure lottery according to the input information from the passing ball detection sensor 47d (for example, “O · −” → winning symbol, “ − · × ”→ off symbol). When the lottery result is a win, a predetermined number of pieces of identification information are displayed in a specific combination that is stopped in a predetermined combination (for example, “O · −”), and thereby a gaming state advantageous for the player (for example, , Small hit) is notified. In such a gaming state, compared to the normal gaming state, a state in which a launched game ball is likely to win a prize occurs once or continuously. On the other hand, when the lottery result is out, the predetermined number of pieces of identification information becomes a display mode (eg, “− · ×”) that is stopped in a combination other than a predetermined specific combination, and thus the normal gaming state continues. Is informed. In the present invention, instead of the LED display device 35 that controls the display of the identification information, the variable display device 34 or a drum-type or dot-matrix type display device may be used, regardless of the display method.

In the normal symbol control process, in order to obtain the advantageous gaming state,
(A) The pair of movable pieces 44 that have been configured to reduce the opening range with respect to the specific winning opening 2 are operated to expand the opening range for a predetermined time (for example, 0.2 seconds) (specific winning opening) 2)
(B) Then return to the original state,
The process information which instruct | indicates to perform the process called predetermined times (for example, once) is produced | generated.

"Output management process"
The output management process is an output for transmitting processing information generated by the abnormality monitoring process, the special symbol control process, the normal symbol control process, the lamp management process, and the preparation ball payout process to the sub-control device 14 side. This is a process of editing the data and transmitting the output edited storage information together with a strobe (STB) signal for notifying the output timing of the processing information.

[Operation of sub-control unit]
Next, the operation of the sub control device 14 will be described.

  The sub-control device 14 performs an initial setting at the start of activation upon power-on, and performs a check process for necessary confirmation items. If the check processing result is normal, the shift to the main routine processing in the sub-control device 14 is permitted, and main control activation start information, which is stored information transmitted from the CPU 13a of the main control device 13, is received. .

  The main routine process of the sub-control device 14 is a main control program stored in advance in the ROM provided in each of the symbol control device 14a, the lamp control device 14b, the voice control device 14c, and the payout control device 14d. In accordance with a periodic timing pulse (for example, 4 milliseconds) generated by the frequency generation circuit unit 13d, a basic routine for repeatedly executing control execution processing including read update, write storage, or deletion of the storage That is. Hereinafter, an example of basic processing in the main routine processing of the sub-control device 14 will be described.

  First, the sub-control device 14 monitors whether or not the processing information transmitted in the output management processing has been received according to the timing pulse, and if it is received, the sub-control device 14 stores it in the storage means (for example, RAM). Remember. Next, the sub-control device 14 performs an analysis process on the received process information, and in any gaming state, any of an abnormality monitoring process, a special symbol control process, a normal symbol control process, a lamp management process, and a ball payout process The process information (preceding command) and the output information to be executed (following command number) are determined.

  Then, the sub-control device 14 sets a flag according to the result of the analysis process, sets a timer for counting based on the control process execution time according to the output mode, and stores a predetermined control program A control process for reading out and executing a control program for an output mode corresponding to the result of the analysis process from (for example, ROM) is performed.

  Hereinafter, the operation of the symbol control device 14a when processing information is received will be described.

"Operation of the design controller"
When the processing information is a preparation image display instruction signal, the CPU of the symbol control device 14a reads the preparation image data stored in the ROM, and the variable display device 34 via the VDP 50 prepares according to the read preparation image data. Perform image display control. Preparatory image data for displaying a preparation image for spec A is stored in the ROM of the spec A symbol control device 14a, and a preparation image for spec B is displayed in the ROM of the spec control symbol 14a. Preparation image data to be stored is stored. As shown in FIG. 5, the preparation image for the spec A has a background area 62a colored “yellow”, a model identification number “CROL2SK” displayed on the background area 62a, and the center of the background area 62a. And “Preparing” displayed in white. On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 6, the spec B preparation image includes a background region 62b colored “orange”, a model identification number “CROL2RQ” displayed on the background region 62b, and almost the background region 62b. It includes the words “Preparing” displayed in white in the center. In addition, two preparation image data for spec A and spec B are stored in the ROM of the symbol control device 14a, and the preparation image instruction display instruction signal output from the main control device 13 is made different for each spec. By configuring the CPU of the device 14a to read out the prepared image data corresponding to the prepared image display instruction signal from the ROM, the ROM of the symbol control device 14a can be made common between specifications.

  In addition, the processing information includes a variation pattern number for winning or losing in the normal gaming state for special symbol control, and a plurality of winning or losing for making a temporary stop display (including fine movement display) for a predetermined variable display area. Special symbol numbers (for example, left, middle and right), the symbol control device 14a is preliminarily classified and stored based on whether or not it is in the normal gaming state for special symbol control. By collating and comparing the classification table with the variation pattern number, a notification effect classification table for winning or losing is determined.

  Then, the symbol control device 14a reads out from the random number generating means for updating the effect selection random number provided in the symbol control device 14a based on the determined notification effect classification table in response to the reception of the variation pattern number. The notification effect data for winning or the notification effect data for losing is set by comparison with the acquired random number stored in the storage means.

  In addition, the symbol control device 14a is configured so that a special symbol classification table for a normal gaming state in which a plurality of types of special symbols for performing a stop display on a predetermined variable display area are programmed, and the plurality of special symbol numbers individually. By the comparison by collation, each of a plurality of special symbol data for stopping or losing the stop display on the variable display device 34 is set. Note that the special symbol for stop display stored in the special symbol classification table may include a temporary stop. Thereafter, the symbol control device 14a performs display control of variable display and stop display according to the set notification effect data and a plurality of special symbol data in the variable display device 34 via the VDP 50.

  In addition, the symbol control device 14a relates to display control by the timer of the main control device 13 or the sub control device 14 that performs update by counting according to transmission or reception of the variation pattern number and a plurality of special symbol numbers. A stop display mode (for example, left / middle / right alignment) for a plurality of special symbols for which display control of variable display has been performed in accordance with a fixed stop instruction number transmitted or received based on the timing of processing execution time Aspect) is performed.

  Further, when the jackpot transition instruction number is received at the time of receiving the fixed stop instruction number, the symbol control device 14a sets the game effect notification effect data advantageous to the player, and the stop display mode After that, display control for jackpot. When the received information is information in a gaming state or a privilege gaming state advantageous for a player for special symbol control, the symbol control device 14a performs the notification effect classification table or the special symbol control related to the special symbol control. The reference table is changed to the symbol classification table, and notification effect data for hit or miss for variable display and stop display performed in the advantageous game state or privilege game state, and a plurality of special symbol data for hit or miss Set.

  When the received information is the variation pattern number for winning or losing in the normal gaming state for normal symbol control and the normal symbol number for winning or losing, the symbol control device 14a performs normal symbol control. By comparing and comparing the blinking pattern classification table stored in advance according to the gaming state in the normal gaming state, and the variation pattern number, the variation display data for hit or miss is set. .

  Further, the symbol control device 14a compares the normal symbol classification table for the normal gaming state in which the normal symbol to be stopped and displayed in a predetermined blinking display area is compared with the normal symbol number by comparing the LED display. The normal symbol data for hitting or losing to be stopped and displayed by the device 35 is set.

  The symbol control device 14a performs processing execution time related to display control by the timer of the main control device 13 or the sub control device 14 that performs update by counting according to transmission or reception of the variation pattern number and the normal symbol number. In accordance with the fixed stop instruction number transmitted or received based on the timing of the elapse of time, a stop display mode (for example, “O · −” or “− · ×” for a normal symbol for which display control of blinking display is performed) The lighting mode is performed.

  In addition, when the winning stop instruction number is received, the symbol control device 14a sets flashing effect data in a state that is advantageous to the player, and displays the stop display. After the mode is set, display control for small hits is performed.

  When the received information is stored information in a state that is advantageous for a player for special symbol control or in a privileged game state, the symbol control device 14a performs the blinking effect classification related to normal symbol control. Change the table referred to by the table or the special symbol classification table, blinking effect data for hitting or losing to be displayed in the advantageous gaming state or privilege gaming state, and a plurality of specials for winning or losing Set symbol data.

  As described above, in this embodiment, when the gaming machine is turned on, a preparation image corresponding to the specifications of the gaming machine is displayed on the variable display device 34 during the activation process. For example, in a spec A gaming machine, a preparation image including a background area 62a colored “yellow” and a model identification number “CROL2SK” displayed on the background area 62a is displayed. , A preparation image including a background area 62b colored “orange” and a model identification number “CROL2RQ” displayed on the background area 62b is displayed.

  Here, in each specification, the color and model identification number of the background areas 62a and 62b of the preparation image are the same as the color of the model display labels 61a and 61b and the model identification number written thereon, so When the specifications match between the main controller 13 and the symbol controller 14a combined therewith, the colors of the background areas 62a and 62b of the preparation image and the colors of the model display labels 61a and 61b are the same. In addition, the model identification number of the preparation image matches the model identification number of the model display labels 61a and 61b. Accordingly, a manufacturer of a gaming machine or a store clerk of a gaming machine installation sales store compares the prepared image with the model display labels 61a and 61b, so that the gaming board 7 and the main control device 13 and the symbol control device 14a are connected. Whether or not the specifications are consistent can be determined early and easily. In particular, in the present embodiment, the background areas 62a and 62b of the preparation image and the model display labels 61a and 61b are colored in the same color in the case of the same specifications, so it is instantaneously determined whether or not the specifications match. can do.

  In addition, since the model display label 61 is disposed at a position that can be viewed from the front through the transparent plate member 28 in the game board 7, the preparation image and the model display labels 61a and 61b are displayed with the opening frame door 6 closed. Can be compared.

  In addition, since the model display label 61 is arranged outside the game area 31, the game ball moving in the game area 31 does not contact the model display label 61. For this reason, it can suppress that the surface of the model display label 61 becomes dirty and becomes thin, and it can suppress that the model display label 61 becomes difficult to visually recognize.

  Furthermore, since the model display label 61 is arranged at a place side by side with the display screen of the variable display device 34, the prepared image and the model display label 61 can be easily compared at a glance.

  As mentioned above, although the embodiment to which the invention made by the present inventor is applied has been described, the present invention is not limited by the discussion and the drawings that form part of the disclosure of the present invention according to this embodiment. That is, it should be added that other embodiments, examples, operation techniques, and the like made by those skilled in the art based on this embodiment are all included in the scope of the present invention.

1 is an external perspective view of a gaming machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. It is a rear view of the gaming machine shown in FIG. It is a front perspective view of the gaming machine shown in FIG. It is a disassembled perspective view of the gaming machine shown in FIG. It is a front view which shows typically the model display label and preparation image of a game machine of spec A. It is a front view which shows typically the model display label and preparation image of a game machine of spec B. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration of the gaming machine shown in FIG. 1.

Explanation of symbols

7 ... Game board, 13 ... Main control device, 13a ... CPU, 13b ... ROM, 13c ... RAM, 14 ... Sub control device, 14a ... Design control device, 31 ... Game area, 34 ... Variable display device, 60 ... Rail decoration 61, 61a, 61b ... model display label, 62a, 62b ... background area of the prepared image

Claims (2)

A ball game machine that launches a game ball into a game area on the surface of the game board and plays a game,
A display screen provided in the game area;
Control means that is activated by turning on the power, and controls the entire game including display control of the display screen according to a predetermined processing program corresponding to a predetermined one of a plurality of specifications;
A spec display unit fixed to the game board,
In the spec display section, a spec identification display corresponding to the one predetermined spec among the spec identification displays set for each of the plurality of specs is described,
The control means causes the display screen to display an image that is common with the spec identification display described on the spec display section during a startup process after power is turned on. The ball game machine according to claim 1,
A transparent plate member disposed in front of the game board and facing the game area;
The ball display game machine according to claim 1, wherein the spec display unit is disposed in a position that is not visible in the game area of the game board and is visible from the front through the transparent plate member.

Images